Russia's central bank will limit retail crypto trading to Bitcoin, Ether, and USDT on regulated exchanges starting September 1. Non-qualified investors face a 300,000-ruble annual purchase limit per intermediary, while qualified investors have no cap.
These proposed regulations signal Russia's move towards integrating certain cryptocurrencies into its regulated financial system, while also imposing controls on retail investor access and reinforcing the prohibition of crypto payments within the country.
Russia's central bank has proposed allowing Bitcoin, Ether, and Tether's USDT to be traded on regulated exchanges, following a new law signed by President Vladimir Putin on August 4. The Bank of Russia will have the authority to decide which digital currencies can enter organized markets.
Assets were selected based on market capitalization, average daily trading volume, and at least five years of trading history on foreign exchanges. Non-qualified investors will face an annual purchase limit of 300,000 rubles per intermediary, while qualified investors will have no such restrictions. All investors must complete a risk assessment test before trading.
The new law is scheduled to take effect on September 1, 2026, though some provisions have separate effective dates. The Bank of Russia is accepting public comments on the draft rules until August 24.