There are no opponents of blockchain in power, but positions on cryptocurrencies vary. This was stated by Anatoly Aksakov, head of the State Duma committee on the financial market, during a speech at Blockchain Life 2020 forum.
He said that the Russian authorities intend to “stimulate, cultivate and develop” blockchain in every possible way.
“This is the technology of the future; everyone understands this,” said Aksakov.
At the same time, attitudes toward cryptocurrencies are not entirely straightforward.
“The main position of those who are critical of cryptocurrencies is that they see risks to the financial system and to ordinary citizens,” РБК quotes Aksakov.
The official noted that in enacting the law “On Digital Financial Assets” the opinions of the Ministry of Finance, the Ministry of Economic Development and the Central Bank of Russia were taken into account, “which has a very conservative position.”
According to Aksakov, the Central Bank “took a step forward”, having begun consultations on a possible issue of its own digital currency. He believes it could begin testing as early as next year.
“I have always believed that the digital ruble is the indispensable future of our monetary circulation,” said Aksakov.
In October, the Bank of Russia published a report devoted to the digital ruble.
How the Bank of Russia sees the implementation of this initiative is covered in ForkLog’s exclusive.
Public accessibility and traceability: how the Bank of Russia sees the digital ruble
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