The Central Bank of Russia confirmed that 12 major banks are ready to offer digital ruble services starting September 1. Alla Bakina, Director of the Bank of Russia's National Payment System Department, stated the banks participated in a nationwide pilot and completed connection preparations. The digital ruble launch represents Russia's central bank digital currency initiative, maintaining state control over digital currency issuance as an alternative to blockchain-based stablecoins.
Central Bank Confirms 12 Banks Connected for September 1 Launch
Alla Bakina stated at the sidelines of the St. Petersburg International Economic Forum that all major banks completed readiness preparations. "We've been preparing for September 1st for quite some time now, working with the banks, and we're moving forward with great confidence. All of our major banks, 12 of them, are already ready and connected," Bakina stated.
Bakina highlighted that nine other significant banks were making progress in connecting their systems toward full implementation. She acknowledged that at most two banks may not complete the work for inclusion. "This is simply because they acquired this status based on our analysis of their activities, based on the results of 2025, and they simply objectively need a little more time," she concluded.
QR Payment Infrastructure Ready Across 9 Million Outlets
Pavel Potanin, Deputy General Director of the National Payment Card System (NSPK), stated the digital ruble is prepared to work with the universal QR payments system. "In terms of market integration, work is proceeding according to plan... I'd like to point out that the universal QR system infrastructure is already ready to work with the digital ruble," Potanin said.
The law establishes that banks with significant market share should enable this option on September 1. The universal QR payment system encompasses over 9 million retail outlets and 200 banks.
Treasury Processed 35,000 Rubles in Preparation Phase
Russian Treasury Secretary Roman Artyukhin stated the government was ready to receive digital ruble payments. "The federal infrastructure is fully operational. After all, both individuals and businesses perceive the ruble as a non-cash currency. We've received 35,000 rubles. This may be a small step for the digital ruble, but it's a big step for the ecosystem," he declared.
Artyukhin said Russians should not be afraid of the new currency, stressing the federal infrastructure's operational status.
FAQ
What did the Central Bank of Russia confirm about the digital ruble launch?
The Central Bank of Russia confirmed that 12 major banks are ready to offer digital ruble services starting September 1. Alla Bakina stated all major banks are already ready and connected, with nine other significant banks making progress in system connection.
How many retail outlets will support digital ruble payments?
The universal QR payment system infrastructure encompasses over 9 million retail outlets and 200 banks. Pavel Potanin confirmed the system is already ready to work with the digital ruble on September 1.
