The Central Bank of Russia has confirmed that digital ruble transactions will be subject to anti-money laundering (AML) monitoring under a law approved by the Federation Council. AML controls will be carried out either by commercial banks or by the Central Bank of Russia as the operator of the digital ruble platform, depending on whether users submit transaction orders through a bank or directly to the platform operator. Banks will remain responsible for customer identification when opening a digital ruble account, identifying customers whose access to the platform should be restricted, and other AML functions they currently perform. The Central Bank of Russia also reiterated that individuals and businesses will make digital ruble payments through existing mobile banking apps and other remote banking channels, while pilot testing continues with 15 banks, about 2,000 individuals, and over 50 companies. The Central Bank of Russia is expanding both the number of pilot participants and the range of transactions available on the platform, and will announce the timing of a full-scale digital ruble launch later.
Central Bank of Russia 2025-05-21
Central Bank of Russia brings digital ruble transactions under a hybrid AML monitoring regime
The Central Bank of Russia confirmed digital ruble transactions will undergo AML monitoring, managed by commercial banks or the Central Bank, based on transaction methods. Banks will handle customer identification and AML functions, while payments will be made through mobile banking apps. The Central Bank is expanding pilot participants and transaction types, with a full-scale launch announcement forthcoming.