Viber owner Rakuten to launch cryptocurrency in Russia in 2018–2019

MOSCOW, Jul 3 (PRIME) -- Japanese holding Rakuten, the owner of popular messenger Viber, will launch its own cryptocurrency, called the Rakuten coin, in Russia in 2018–2019, Viber CEO Djamel Agaoua said on Tuesday.

The Rakuten coin circulates in the company’s eco-system and is available in Viber via an e-wallet.

The cryptocurrency was earlier launched in Japan, and the messenger’s users can exchange yen for U.S. dollars and euros.

Rakuten is studying the Russian law, and Russians will be most likely able to pay for purchases with the cryptocurrency, but not to turn it into rubles.

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