Russia to Launch National Unified Facial Payment System by 2025
Russia is set to launch a nationwide facial payment system by the second half of 2025, catering to millions of users as biometric payment methods gain popularity over traditional card systems. Sberbank and NSPK, the operator of Russia’s Mir card payment network, are collaborating to establish standards and ensure interoperability for the new facial recognition payment system.
Looking for Blockchain Developers? Hire us: DigiCodeGlobal IT Services
Sber and NSPK Team Up for Unified Facial Payment Network
Russia is on track to test large-scale biometric payment solutions, with Sberbank, the country’s largest financial institution, and NSPK (National Payment Card System) spearheading the initiative. The new system aims to standardize biometric payments, enabling Russian banks to participate in the network and deploy terminals capable of processing facial recognition payments.
Dmitry Malykh, Senior Vice President at Sberbank, revealed in an interview with Izvestia that a detailed project roadmap is already in place, with the official launch scheduled for the second half of 2025.
Overcoming Current Limitations of Facial Payment Systems
Currently, both Sberbank and NSPK have their own facial recognition payment systems, but user adoption remains limited. Customers can only register their biometric data through specific banking apps, and the lack of interoperability prevents Sber customers from paying at NSPK terminals and vice versa.
Looking for Blockchain Developers? Hire us: DigiCodeGlobal IT Services
Once the unified facial payment network is implemented, customers from all participating banks will be able to register their biometric data through any app and use it to make payments at any terminal equipped with the new system. Sber is leading the initiative, preparing to deploy biometric payment technology across 2 million terminals, allowing users to pay or transfer money using a facial scan.
A Major Step Towards Biometric Payments in Russia
Sberbank’s Malykh emphasized that once the system is up and running, over 50% of all banking terminals in Russia will be able to support facial recognition payments. The project has received full backing from the Central Bank of Russia, which recognizes the growing trend of biometric payment adoption.
This innovative technology will also open up new possibilities, such as verifying users’ ages when purchasing age-restricted items or enabling seamless automated check-ins at hotels.
Looking for Blockchain Developers? Hire us: DigiCodeGlobal IT Services
Conclusion: A Step Forward in Digital Payments
As Russia continues to invest in biometric payment technologies, the nationwide rollout of the facial payment system promises to transform the way people make transactions. With wide support from major banks and the Central Bank of Russia, this initiative is set to revolutionize the payment landscape, bringing secure and convenient transactions to millions of users.
