Digital ruble services expand
Companies will be able to make digital ruble payments under registers, that is, bulk payouts to a large number of beneficiaries simultaneously. This option will enable businesses to make payroll payments, contractor payments, and vendor disbursements, as well as pay payroll taxes, etc. This and other innovations are provided for by the Bank of Russia’s draft ordinance published for public consultations.
Register payments increase the transaction speed, prevent errors in bank details as they do not require completing a separate record for each beneficiary, and considerably simplify the document workflow and accounting work. The companies and individuals participating in the pilot testing of the digital ruble will be the first to try out the service.
Furthermore, the rules of the digital ruble platform will expand to include a new chapter stipulating a legal framework for cross-border settlements in central bank digital currencies.
The Bank of Russia welcomes any suggestions and comments through 6 March 2026.
As a reminder, the digital ruble is a new form of the national currency issued in addition to cash and non-cash rubles. Currently, basic digital ruble transactions are only accessible to the participants in the pilot testing. A wider use of the digital ruble will begin in September 2026. The largest banks and trade companies will be obliged to provide their infrastructure for such transactions. Individuals will use digital rubles if they wish to.