Sberbank, the biggest bank in Russia, is now part of the digital ruble pilot program with TBank and Tochka Bank, as the Central Bank of Russia (CBR) announced on December 28.

This initiative now has 15 credit organizations, up from 12, and plans to add 14-15 more banks by 2025, according to Olga Skorobogatova, former First Deputy Governor of the CBR.

The digital ruble, the third type of Russian currency along with cash and non-cash money, started its trial phase in August 2023. The program has grown a lot, increasing from 600 to 9,000 participants by October 2024. Twenty-two banks have agreed with the CBR to get ready for this digital currency.

From July 2025, big banks in Russia must support digital ruble features. This means customers can open and manage digital ruble accounts, make transfers, and receive digital rubles.

Smaller banks will do the same in the coming years. The CBR has said that banks that don’t meet the deadline will get penalties. The central bank wants to make sure everyone can use the digital ruble easily.

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