PANews, December 29, reported by the International News Agency, Sberbank, TBank, and Tochka Bank have become participants in the pilot program for transactions using the digital ruble. Previously, a total of 12 financial institutions participated in the pilot: Alfa-Bank, DOM.RF Bank, Ingosstrakh Bank, VTB, Gazprombank, Ak Bars Bank, MTS Bank, Promsvyazbank, Sovcombank, Sinara Bank, TKB Bank, and the Russian Agricultural Bank. They have signed agreements with the Central Bank of Russia and are configuring systems to participate in the project. It is reported that the digital ruble is expected to gradually begin widespread use starting July 1, 2025.