The Central Bank of Russia is testing a digital ruble for salary payments, but officials assert that participation is voluntary. According to the Ministry of Finance, the CBDC program was launched in 2021 and legalized in 2023. Anton Tkachev, Vice Chairman of the Information Policy Committee of the State Duma, stated that workers can choose to receive their salaries in cash or cryptocurrency, while also calling for increased digital literacy to avoid a “digital divide.”
The first experiment took place in September when Anatoly Aksakov received his salary in digital rubles. Russia plans to allow transactions between accounts starting in January 2026 and to roll it out nationwide on September 1, 2026. However, retirees will continue to receive their payments in cash or via card.
Some local banks have experimented with smart contracts using digital rubles, but experts believe that this currency will need many years to gain widespread public acceptance.
Disclaimer: The information on this page may come from third parties and does not represent the views or opinions of Gate. The content displayed on this page is for reference only and does not constitute any financial, investment, or legal advice. Gate does not guarantee the accuracy or completeness of the information and shall not be liable for any losses arising from the use of this information. Virtual asset investments carry high risks and are subject to significant price volatility. You may lose all of your invested principal. Please fully understand the relevant risks and make prudent decisions based on your own financial situation and risk tolerance. For details, please refer to
Disclaimer.
