Last week we reported that Russia had progressed legislation to mandate the launch date for the digital ruble as 1 July 2025. That’s despite significant pushback from some banks and retailers who want more time. Today the online edition of Pravda reported that a Sberbank representative called for a delay because the central bank digital currency (CBDC) platform is still being developed. The online version of Pravda is apparently privately owned and not associated with the Communist party print paper.
However, the Pravda article also notes that some other banks will be ready for the 1 July launch.
There’s a good reason for that. The CBDC tests started for a dozen or so banks in late 2023. Some of those banks probably will be ready. However, Sber was not amongst the banks included in that group. It only joined the trial in December 2024, leaving it just over six months to prepare while the platform is still evolving.
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