Macro· ★★★· neutral·

Bank of Russia to pilot offline digital ruble payments in 2027

  • —Offline digital ruble pilot scheduled for 2027
  • —Prototype expected by the end of 2026
  • —SIM card-based technology, research nearing completion
  • —Mandatory onboarding for universal-license banks from Sept 1, 2027
Why it matters: Offline capability would broaden digital ruble use during internet shutdowns and accelerate its nationwide rollout in Russia.
Source: BeInCrypto RU