PROCEDURE FOR CONCLUDING SMART CONTRACTS IN THE CONTEXT OF THE MODERN ECONOMY

Abstract

This article examines the essence of smart contracts as a digital method of fixing and automatically fulfilling obligations, as well as analyzes the procedure for their conclusion within the framework of Russian civil legislation and the modern economy. The relevance of the research topic is determined by the importance of legal certainty of transactions in the context of digitalization, as well as the real threats that are currently taking on new forms and scales due to the current geopolitical situation (Russia's disconnection from SWIFT, sanctions restrictions in 2022-2026) and the drastic changes in the structure of cross-border settlements and international trade directions. The article analyzes the indicators of the introduction of smart contracts in Russian practice for 2024-2026 (corporate transactions, government pilots with digital rubles), summarizes the legal measures regulating the procedure for concluding, including the norms of the Civil Code of the Russian Federation (Articles 432-438, 309.1) and experimental legal regimes. The application of legislative changes (securing digital acceptance, determining the moment of conclusion in the blockchain environment) necessary to protect the rights of participants in civil turnover and reduce the risks of recognizing smart contracts as not concluded is also justified.