Legislative Framework for Crypto Trading
Russia is preparing to expand cryptocurrency access for non-qualified investors through new legislation scheduled for spring review. The draft bill is complete and awaits consideration during the spring parliamentary session. Anatoly Aksakov, chair of the Financial Markets Committee, confirmed its readiness this week. Lawmakers aim to formalize limited retail participation while maintaining strict controls.
The proposal would remove cryptocurrencies from special financial regulation. Instead, digital assets would fall under standard financial market rules. Authorities view this shift as a structural change rather than deregulation. The framework seeks clearer oversight and consistent compliance.
Retail Trading Caps Define Market Access
Under the draft bill, non-qualified investors would gain limited access to cryptocurrency trading. Retail participants would face a purchase cap of 300,000 rubles, about $3,800. The limit applies to total crypto investments per investor. Professional market participants would not face similar restrictions.
Lawmakers designed the cap to reduce retail exposure to volatility. Authorities expect the limit to curb speculative behavior. At the same time, the rule acknowledges rising public demand for crypto access. Regulators aim to expand participation without increasing systemic risk.
Russia has historically restricted crypto access to experienced investors. The new framework marks a measured adjustment. Officials continue to emphasize investor protection. Consequently, safeguards remain central to the proposal.
Regulatory Alignment With Financial Authorities
The bill follows earlier work by the Bank of Russia. In December, the central bank proposed allowing retail crypto trading after a mandatory risk-awareness test. That framework also reaffirmed a ban on anonymous and privacy-focused tokens. These assets would remain prohibited under the new legislation.
The Finance Ministry of Russia has supported a coordinated approach. Finance Minister Anton Siluanov previously confirmed alignment with the central bank. Both institutions favor defined transaction limits for retail investors. Officials view these limits as essential to financial stability.
Authorities believe clearer rules will reduce informal crypto activity. Additionally, standardized oversight should improve transparency. Regulators aim to integrate crypto into existing compliance systems.
Cross-Border Crypto Use and Digital Strategy
Beyond domestic trading, the bill supports international crypto use. Lawmakers expect the framework to facilitate cross-border settlements. Russian-issued tokens could also access foreign markets under regulated conditions. Officials see this capability as strategically important.
The proposal aligns with Russia’s broader digital finance agenda. The country is testing the digital ruble across state systems. Authorities plan a wider rollout by September 2026. Crypto policy adjustments complement this national project.
Public interest in crypto-linked services continues to grow. However, officials have maintained firm boundaries. State pensions and benefits remain payable only in rubles. Digital assets hold no role in social payments. Lawmakers are planning further debates on cryptocurrencies and digital financial assets this spring. The current bill represents a foundational step in that process.