Sberbank to introduce digital ruble for customers in 2025 – Russian financial giant invests in digital future.

Sberbank to Introduce Digital Ruble for Customers in 2025

One of the largest Russian banks, Sberbank, plans to start offering transactions in digital ruble to its customers in early 2025. This decision heralds a new era in Russia’s financial sector, where digital currencies are set to play an increasingly significant role.

Sberbank’s Planned Actions Regarding the Digital Ruble

The planned initiation of operations with the digital ruble, created by the Central Bank of Russia, known as the digital ruble or e-ruble, was announced by Sberbank’s Deputy CEO Anatoly Popov. This bank is one of many Russian financial institutions intending to join the digital ruble project in the second round of CBDC tests, along with around 20 other banks.

Testing the Digital Ruble Prototype

The Central Bank of Russia began testing the digital ruble prototype in December 2021. In August 2023, the first pilot transactions involved customers and employees from 13 Russian banks. By early September 2024, the pilot had expanded to encompass 9,000 individuals and 1,200 businesses, compared to the previous 600 individuals and 22 businesses.

Full Availability of the Digital Ruble

By the end of July 2025, the Central Bank of Russia signaled that the digital ruble could be available to a wider audience. It was also assured that the digital ruble would complement, not replace, the current cash and cashless rubles. In this way, Russia follows the path of other countries experimenting with the introduction of digital currencies.

Inspiration from China

Interest in digital currencies is not new. The digital yuan in China is a prime example, where the state began paying state salaries in the form of digital yuan. Such steps aim to increase state-controlled adoption of digital currency and assess how such solutions can alter the circulation of money in society.