Russia s Central Bank Proposes New Cryptocurrency Regulations

The Bank of Russia has introduced a draft regulatory concept for the country s cryptocurrency market, allowing both qualified and non-qualified investors to purchase crypto assets under different rules. This proposal has been submitted to the government for legislative review.
Non-qualified investors will be limited to 300,000 roubles approximately 3,830 per year after undergoing testing. In contrast, qualified investors can trade any crypto, except for anonymous tokens, without volume restrictions, also after risk-awareness testing.
The framework categorizes digital currencies and stablecoins as currency values that can be traded but not used for domestic payments. It outlines licensing requirements for exchanges, brokers, and custodians, as well as reporting obligations for cross-border crypto purchases. The legal framework is expected to be finalized by July 1, 2026, with enforcement measures for illegal intermediaries starting on July 1, 2027.
Key points include:
- Investment limits for non-qualified investors: Up to 300,000 roubles per year after testing.
- Finalization of the regulatory framework: Targeted for July 1, 2026.
- Prohibited assets for qualified investors: Anonymous tokens with hidden recipient information.
- Reporting requirements for cross-border transactions: Residents must notify tax authorities for overseas crypto purchases or transfers.