CBDC

Authorities have widened the digital ruble pilot to more than 20 banks and remote regions, including Crimea, as preparations continue for a full launch planned in 2026.

Chinese authorities have opened a fresh crackdown on stablecoins, tightening rules and enforcement that hit issuers and cross‑border flows. Observers warn the moves could be about control or part of a broader push that heightens geopolitical currency tensions.

The South African Reserve Bank says there is no urgent case for a retail central bank digital currency and recommends prioritizing wholesale and cross-border CBDC work instead. The conclusion comes in a report released on Nov. 27, 2025.

Russia’s Treasury will begin accepting federal budget payments in the digital ruble starting early 2026, formalizing state use of the CBDC. The step could accelerate broader adoption and improve settlement efficiency.

The Bank for International Settlements has appointed the IMF's digital money chief, described as a CBDC hawk, to head its innovation hub as it advances pilots for cross‑border CBDCs, tokenized deposits and real‑time payment rails.

The Bank for International Settlements on Tuesday named a new head of its Innovation Hub, which oversees central-bank research into digital currencies, AI and other emerging technologies. The appointment underscores continued institutional momentum behind CBDC research and cross-border tech coordination.

The UAE, represented by Sheikh Mansour bin Zayed Al Nahyan and the Central Bank of the UAE, completed the first cross‑border CBDC payment to China using the mBridge (Jisr) network. The transaction marks an early interoperability milestone for central bank digital currencies.

A senior official at Russia’s monetary authority said the forthcoming digital ruble is unlikely to become a major store of private wealth, benefiting the state and broader economy more than individual savers. The comment suggests limited retail uptake is expected once the CBDC launches.