Russia Eyes Digital Ruble Adoption by 2027 with Phased Rollout

The deputy head of the Central Bank of Russia, Olga Skorobogatova, indicated that Russians could begin using payments in digital rubles by 2027. In a recent interview broadcast by Forbes, she outlined a roadmap that envisions a gradual transition rather than a rapid rollout, emphasizing that the shift to digital currency is a long-term project that will unfold over several years. The central bank official noted that while some steps can be accelerated, a cautious approach will help ensure the system’s reliability and security as it scales up. The message from the bank underscores that the move toward digital money will be implemented in stages to build public trust and ensure interoperability with existing financial infrastructure across the country, including in remote regions and among diverse user groups.