Russia is advancing its digital finance strategy with new regulations for digital ruble transactions and increased use of Bitcoin in foreign trade, signaling a strong commitment to integrating digital assets into its economy.

According to a press release from the Central Bank of the Russian Federation, new rules for digital ruble transfers will take effect on February 23, 2025. Banks will impose a two-day cooling-off period for transfers flagged as suspicious. During this time, customers will be notified of potential fraud and given the opportunity to confirm or cancel their transactions. If no confirmation is received, the funds will remain securely in the customer's digital wallet. This measure, already implemented for conventional transfers, aims to bolster protections against fraudulent activities.

Meanwhile, Finance Minister "Anton Siluanov" confirmed that Russia is actively using Bitcoin and digital financial assets (DFAs) in international trade under its experimental legal framework. In an interview on December 25, he revealed that the government has passed laws to support these transactions and is already conducting them.

Siluanov also highlighted that Bitcoin mined within Russia is being utilized for payments under this regime. With the legalization of mining earlier this year, he expects broader adoption of Bitcoin and DFAs in trade to become a reality in 2025. “This is the future,” he said, pointing to the role of these assets in modernizing global settlements.

On the other hand, the Russian government has announced a ban on digital currency mining across ten regions, set to take effect on January 1, 2025. The restriction, which will remain in place until March 15, 2031, is designed to manage energy consumption and prioritize industrial energy needs.