Russia opens central bank digital currency to millions as 12 major banks and top retailers face rollout rules

Russia opens digital ruble access to customers of connected banks today, Sept. 1, moving the central bank digital currency beyond restricted pilot access as major banks and the first covered retailers activate payment infrastructure.

The Bank of Russia said on Aug. 31 that individuals will be able to open a digital-ruble wallet through a participating bank's mobile app. The wallet sits on the central bank's platform, while commercial banks provide access. Customers will need to confirm that their bank is connected before trying to use the service.

Consumer participation remains voluntary. A bank, employer or other party cannot open a wallet automatically for an individual, even as covered banks and merchants face legal duties to provide the infrastructure.

This split is the central feature of the rollout. The law compels covered banks and merchants to build access, while customers decide whether to use it. Consumers face no enrollment deadline, and banks cannot switch them into a wallet automatically. A customer whose bank is not yet connected will not gain app access simply because the legal phase has begun.

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