Russia’s Crypto Regulation Overhaul: New Investment Limits and Market Access
Russia is poised to implement sweeping changes to its cryptocurrency regulations, with a draft bill expected to reach the State Duma in spring 2026. The legislation, spearheaded by Financial Markets Committee chairman Anatoly Aksakov, aims to remove digital assets from the 'special financial regulation' category, paving the way for broader market participation.
Retail investors will face a cap of 300,000 rubles (~$3,800) for crypto purchases, a measure designed to mitigate financial risks while maintaining access. Qualified investors and institutions, however, will operate without such restrictions. The Bank of Russia is also considering risk-awareness tests for retail participants, underscoring the government's balancing act between innovation and consumer protection.
This marks one of Russia's most significant crypto policy shifts in years, with potential Ripple effects for domestic trading and cross-border digital asset flows. The move signals growing institutional acceptance of cryptocurrencies, even as regulators maintain guardrails for retail participation.
