Moscow Accelerates Digital Ruble Adoption for Budget Payments
Moscow is fast-tracking the use of its central bank digital currency (CBDC), the digital ruble, for federal budget expenditures. The government has approved a list of eligible payments—including public sector salaries, social security transfers, and infrastructure projects—with pilot transactions expected by year-end.
Russia's Ministry of Finance confirmed the digital ruble will operate on an opt-in basis, requiring citizens to voluntarily open CBDC wallets. The MOVE follows amendments to the Budget Code that took effect earlier this year, creating a legal framework for state transactions in the new currency.
While the Bank of Russia plans a full CBDC rollout in late 2025, Moscow's aggressive timeline signals institutional confidence in blockchain-based settlement. The initiative positions Russia among the vanguard of major economies experimenting with sovereign digital currencies.
