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Russia Sets 2026 Rollout for Universal QR Payments as Central Bank Forms Infrastructure Working Group

Regulators set a 1 September 2026 mandate tied to digital‑ruble readiness.

Overview

  • NSPK says the universal QR technology is already available to more than 200 banks and about 7.4 million retail points across Russia.
  • From 1 September 2026 all banks must support the universal QR, with systemically important and key payment-service banks required to enable digital‑ruble settlements the same day.
  • Banks with universal licenses face the digital‑ruble requirement from 1 September 2027, with remaining banks following on 1 September 2028.
  • PSB reports the universal QR is connected on roughly 90% of its acquiring terminals and says digital‑ruble and bank service payments will launch soon.
  • T‑Bank and other providers report a consumer shift toward contactless phone and biometric payments, though major institutions and officials do not expect material changes in transaction volumes or service costs.