According to Olga Skorobogatova, the regulator is ready to implement the project, but it will be possible to say about the specific timing of the introduction of such payments on the market only in 2025:
"We are technically ready for such projects and are currently working with several countries on the procedure for the interaction of national digital currency platforms."
Starting from September 1, the number of participants in the digital ruble pilot project will be expanded tenfold, said the first deputy chairman of the Bank of Russia: 19 banks are in line to test the national digital currency.
The high-ranking official added that the Central Bank has a lot of applications from businessmen who would like to use the digital ruble and demand to expand the project to all financial organizations in the country.
The regulator has been piloting the digital ruble with real customers since August 2023. Banks are testing the opening and closing of digital wallets of banks and customers, the transfer of digital rubles between individuals, payment for purchases and services using a QR code.
Earlier, the State Duma began considering a draft law, according to which the law "On Countering the legalization (Laundering) of proceeds from crime and the financing of terrorism" will apply to transactions with the digital ruble.