Overview
- Use of the universal code becomes mandatory for all banks on September 1, 2026, with digital‑ruble support phased in for systemically important banks in 2026, banks with universal licenses in 2027, and the rest in 2028.
- NSPK says more than 200 banks and about 7.4 million merchant locations can already process the universal QR across the SBP acquiring network.
- T‑Bank reports that over 30% of former QR shoppers on iPhone have moved to T‑Pay and expects overall QR volumes to decline as contactless phone payments and biometrics gain.
- PSB says the universal QR is enabled on 90% of its acquiring terminals and signals upcoming launches via the digital ruble platform and bank payment services.
- State Duma finance committee chair Anatoly Aksakov says some major banks that built proprietary QR systems may incur losses, yet he does not foresee price changes for customers.