Russia approves law to roll out digital ruble and universal QR payments starting 2026

Russia’s State Duma passed a law requiring banks and merchants to join the digital ruble platform and use a universal QR payment code starting Sept. 1, 2026, according to Interfax. Major banks must support digital ruble transactions from 2026, with smaller banks phased in by 2028. Banks cannot charge clients for using the QR code, which will facilitate domestic digital ruble transfers.