Russian Banks Demand Answers on Digital Ruble
- Cary
- August 8, 2023
- Cryptonews, Crypto, News
- Central bank, Crypto, Digital, Russian Banks
- 0 Comments
Russian banks seek clarity from the Central Bank on the digital ruble, raising questions about its implementation and impact.
Key Points
- Russian Association of Banks questions Central Bank about plans for digital ruble, requesting clarification and limits on wallet use and operator tariffs.
- ARB raises key queries on digital ruble’s nature, bank compensation, and mandatory participation, seeking understanding on legal aspects.
- CEO of Alfa Bank highlights lack of clarity around digital ruble, while businesses express mixed feelings about CBDC issuance.
- Central Bank aims for digital ruble launch to reduce cryptocurrency demand, collaborates with commercial banks for pilot to address concerns.
Russia’s Association of Russian Banks (ARB) has sent a letter to the Central Bank of Russia, requesting clarification on the country’s plans for a Central Bank Digital Currency (CBDC) known as the digital ruble. The ARB expressed concern over the public’s wariness towards the digital ruble and called on the Central Bank to propose a ban on forcing citizens to open a digital ruble wallet. They also requested limits on tariff increases for digital ruble operators.
Russia cuts off gas in Netherlands
Russia has already cut off gas supplies to Poland, Bulgaria and Finland, which had refused to make payments for gas in line with an order from Vladimir Putin that requires ruble accounts to be set up in a Russian bank
Denmark said to be next.. pic.twitter.com/KAzN7XMUri
— Sphithiphithi Evaluator (@_AfricanSoil) May 31, 2022
Key Questions Raised
In their letter, the ARB also posed several questions to the Central Bank regarding the digital ruble. They asked whether the digital ruble is considered a “third form of money” or a “non-cash currency.” Additionally, they inquired about compensation for banks providing access to the CBDC and whether participation in the project would be mandatory for banks.
Oleg Sysuev, CEO of Alfa Bank, emphasized the lack of understanding surrounding the legal nature of the digital ruble. He commented that CBDCs are relatively new on a global scale and that Russia’s banking system is ahead in terms of IT, making them pioneers. Sysuev highlighted the importance of addressing the many unanswered questions regarding the digital ruble.
Banks Remain Uncertain about Russian CBDC
Various members of Russia’s business community have expressed mixed feelings about the issuance of a CBDC. Sysuev from Alfa Bank also raised concerns about how banks would be incentivized to distribute the CBDC, how customer interest would be generated, and how transactions with the CBDC would be regulated.
The Central Bank sees the accelerated launch of a digital ruble as an opportunity to de-dollarize Russia’s economy and reduce the growing demand for cryptocurrencies in the country.
Concluding Thoughts
The Central Bank’s Governor, Elvira Nabiullina, who has been skeptical of cryptocurrencies for a long time, has been a strong advocate for the digital ruble’s launch. Prominent Russian politicians have also suggested that Russia’s digital ruble could be compatible with China’s digital yuan and other CBDCs around the world.
The Central Bank is currently collaborating with more than a dozen commercial banks on a real-world pilot for the digital ruble, aiming to address concerns and gather feedback before a nationwide rollout.
As Russia continues to make progress in its digital currency plans, it remains to be seen how the Central Bank will address the concerns raised by the ARB and the wider public’s perception of the digital ruble.
