According to Bloomberg, Russia is about to begin experimenting with cryptocurrency exchanges and cross-border transactions using digital tokens to help ease payment difficulties for businesses in the country hit by international sanctions. Two people familiar with the matter said the trial will begin on September 1, and Russia will use the national payment card system to exchange between rubles and cryptocurrencies when testing payment and trading platforms. People familiar with the matter said that if the trial is successful, Russia may allow the Moscow Exchange and the St. Petersburg Currency Exchange to establish cryptocurrency platforms next year. According to people familiar with the matter, any existing cryptocurrency can be used for the experiment.