Central Bank of Iran to Launch CBDC Pilot: Digital Rial Set to Revolutionize Micropayments
The Central Bank of Iran (CBI) is taking a significant step into the future of finance, reportedly planning to launch a central bank digital currency (CBDC) pilot soon. This initiative, officially announced on June 18th, aims to modernize banking and enhance digital infrastructure despite sanctions.
Digital Rial: A CBDC for Modern Iran
Iran's Central Bank plans to launch the digital rial, a CBDC developed since 2025, as part of a broader strategy to embrace digital transformation. As per reports, the Central Bank of Iran (CBI) is planning to launch its CBDC pilot soon, with a recent report by the Iranian Labour News Agency highlighting the CBI vice president's involvement.
CBDC Pilot Program: Focus on Micropayments
The Central Bank of Iran (CBI) is launching a national digital currency in a public pilot targeting domestic micropayments. This open pilot program will introduce the national digital currency for everyday transactions. The CBI formally declared on this initiative, signaling its commitment to digital innovation.
Where and When? The Kish Island Pilot
On June 18, the CBI officially announced the launch of a pilot scheme for Iran’s Central Bank digital currency (CBDC), called the digital rial, on the island of Kish. This initial rollout will expand its digital rial availability and test its functionality in a controlled environment.
Digital Rial: Features and Accessibility
On June 18, the CBI officially announced the The Central Bank of Iran (CBI) is reportedly planning to launch a central bank digital currency (CBDC) pilot soon. According to a report by the Iranian Labour News The Central Bank of Iran (CBI) announced the launch of a pilot scheme for their CBDC, the Digital Rial, on the island of Kish. The new rollout will expand its digital rial As per reports, the Central Bank of Iran (CBI) is planning to launch its CBDC pilot soon. A recent report by the Iranian Labour News Agency highlighted that the CBI vice On June 18, the CBI officially announced the launch of a pilot scheme for Iran’s Central Bank digital currency (CBDC), called the digital rial. The digital rial will be available to In an open pilot program, the Central Bank of Iran (CBI) will introduce a national digital currency for use in domestic micropayments. The CBI formally declared on Iran's Central Bank plans to launch the digital rial, a CBDC developed since 2025, to modernize banking and enhance digital infrastructure despite sanctions. The digital rial will be available to a select group during the pilot phase, with plans for broader adoption in the future.