Belarus Aims for Full Circulation of Digital Ruble by 2026

Belarus is targeting a full launch of its digital ruble in late 2026, led by the National Bank of Belarus and overseen by Chairman Roman Golovchenko. This initiative aims to enhance financial traceability through blockchain technology. While it’s not expected to significantly impact global cryptocurrency markets immediately, the digital ruble could change domestic financial policies and cross-border payments. The project is powered by Hyperledger Fabric, a permissioned blockchain system, with Russia collaborating on CBDC development for regional transactions. This move signifies Belarus’s commitment to digital transformation within the financial sector. 2026 will see government and public access to the digital ruble after initial testing in full circulation mode.