Carlos Fernandes The Central Bank of Russia anticipates that the introduction of the digital ruble will not render other non-cash and cash payment avenues obsolete. According to statements made by Alla Bakina, the director of the bank’s national payment system department, alternative non-cash payment methods have accounted for more than 80% of all payment transactions in Russia.
Bank of Russia: Digital Ruble’s Impact on Existing Payment Options
The Central Bank of Russia does not anticipate an abrupt abandonment of existing payment methods by individuals and institutions in favor of the Russian Central Bank Digital Currency (CBDC), commonly known as the digital ruble.
During a recent webinar, Alla Bakina, director of the bank’s national payment system department, emphasized that non-cash payment methods using instruments other than the digital ruble maintain a significant presence in the overall landscape of payment transactions in Russia.
Quoted by the news agency Interfax, Bakina remarked:
“I don’t anticipate a complete shift away from non-cash payments, as the proportion of non-cash transactions in Russia has already surpassed 80%.”
Furthermore, Bakina elucidated that the primary objective of the digital ruble is to offer additional payment options to the public. She emphasized:
“I believe we should maintain a broad spectrum of options, encompassing cash, bank cards, traditional bank accounts, digital accounts, mobile applications, and payment services, as this fosters healthy competition among them.”
She also indicated that there would be no restrictions on the number of payments citizens could make using the digital ruble.
Cash Remains Relevant
Bakina acknowledged the continuing relevance of cash payments, citing that some individuals are habituated to using physical currency. Additionally, certain situations necessitate the use of cash for payments.
Bakina’s statements align with remarks from other officials at the Bank of Russia. In the previous month, Elvira Nabiullina, the governor of the Bank of Russia, asserted that cash would remain in circulation for the foreseeable future, emphasizing that “people should have the freedom to choose their preferred payment method.”
The development of new banknotes is already underway, with a 1,000-ruble bill currently in the design phase.
The digital ruble is undergoing testing in a pilot program that commenced in August, with the participation of 13 banks. In October, Nabiullina provided an update on the pilot’s progress, affirming that it was proceeding as planned. She further disclosed plans for expansion in the coming year, with an increase in participants and the exploration of additional use cases slated for testing in 2024.
What are your perspectives on the digital ruble and its coexistence with other payment methods in Russia? Share your thoughts in the comments section below.
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Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs) about Digital Ruble Payment Landscape
What is the digital ruble, and why is it being introduced in Russia?
The digital ruble is a digital currency issued by the Central Bank of Russia. It is being introduced to modernize the country’s payment infrastructure and provide additional payment options to the public.
Will the digital ruble replace existing payment methods in Russia?
No, the Central Bank of Russia does not expect the digital ruble to replace other payment methods. Cash payments and non-cash transactions using methods other than the digital ruble remain relevant and widely used.
What is the significance of the 80% figure mentioned regarding non-cash payments?
The statement that non-cash payments in Russia have exceeded 80% indicates that a substantial majority of payment transactions in the country are conducted electronically or without physical currency. This underscores the importance of diverse payment options.
How does the Central Bank of Russia view the coexistence of the digital ruble with other payment methods?
The Central Bank of Russia believes that a variety of payment methods, including cash, bank cards, digital accounts, mobile apps, and the digital ruble, should coexist. They see healthy competition among these methods as beneficial for consumers.
Is cash still relevant in Russia, according to the bank’s perspective?
Yes, the Central Bank of Russia acknowledges that cash payments are still relevant. Some people prefer using physical currency, and specific situations may require cash payments.
What is the status of the digital ruble’s pilot program?
The digital ruble is currently undergoing testing in a pilot program that started in August. Thirteen banks are participating in this pilot. The Central Bank of Russia plans to expand the program in the coming year and explore additional use cases in 2024.
More about Digital Ruble Payment Landscape
- Central Bank of Russia Official Website
- Interfax News Agency
- Elvira Nabiullina’s Remarks on Payment Methods
- Digital Ruble Pilot Program Updates
