Russian central bank delays digital ruble launch for further testing and improvements. Interest remains high in the digital currency despite the delay.
The Russian central bank has postponed the full launch of the digital ruble, which was planned for this summer. Elvira Nabiullina, the head of the central bank, stated that this delay is for further testing and negotiation with banks to improve the economic model. Currently, about 1,700 citizens and 30 companies, with the participation of 15 banks, are using the digital ruble. Nabiullina described the project as successful but acknowledged concerns about necessary improvements. Despite the delay, interest in the digital ruble, especially in smart contracts, remains strong. Nabiullina stressed the importance of ensuring trust in the central bank’s digital currency before its wider release. A new launch date has not yet been announced.
