The future of digital payments within the Eurasian Economic Union

The rapid development of numerical technologies has a revolutionary impact on financial systems in the member states of the Eurasian Economic Union (EAEU). Improvement and implementation of innovative digital payment instruments is becoming a key factor in accelerating the process of economic convergence of the Union states. The development of national digital currencies and the introduction of instant payments systems represent important steps towards financial independence and increased interaction between countries. The purpose of the article is to analyze the current trends and prospects for the development of digital payments within the EAEU, assess their impact on the economic integration of the member states and identify the key problems hindering the introduction of a single digital currency. The results of the study have significant practical value: they will help in formulating strategies to synchronize legislation, improve digital infrastructure and accelerate financial integration in the EAEU space, which will serve to create a legitimate single financial area. The focus of the paper is on aspects of digitalization of finance within the EAEU framework, exploring ways to develop not only their own digital monetary units, but also the integration of operational payment systems. In parallel, the prospect of introducing a universal cryptocurrency known as «cryptoaltyn» and methods of eliminating the digital imbalance between the states of the union are investigated. The academic work will be a valuable resource for a wide range of economic specialists, including experts in the dynamic field of digital finance and professionals delving into the issues of economic union. Players involved in the adoption and adaptation of innovative financial technologies will find many relevant insights. In turn, for regulators and private companies whose activities are related to the digital transformation of the economies of the EAEU member states, this work will become a source of inspiration and direction on the path to inevitable technological progress.