Russian president signs crypto law, core rules take effect in 2026
Reported by Cointelegraph · AI-assisted summary by ChikoCorp AI News Desk
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Summary
Russian President Vladimir Putin signed a law titled “On Digital Currencies and Digital Rights,” establishing a regulated framework for cryptocurrency markets in Russia. The law sets rules for exchanges, brokers, custodians, and other service providers, with core provisions taking effect on September 1, 2026. It includes restrictions on retail investors and authorizes the Bank of Russia to oversee the market.
Why it matters
The law creates formal regulatory rules for the crypto market in Russia, defining the roles and responsibilities of market participants and limiting retail investor access. This development signals a structured approach to crypto regulation, potentially affecting how cryptocurrency trading and custody operate within Russia.
Key context
The legislation requires crypto exchanges to join a financial market self-regulatory organization and limits retail investors to approved crypto assets with an annual purchase cap of 300,000 rubles per intermediary. Qualified investors are exempt from these limits. The law maintains a ban on using cryptocurrencies as payment for goods and services within Russia and assigns the Bank of Russia as the regulatory authority.
Key numbers and entities
Key entities include Russian President Vladimir Putin, the State Duma (Russia’s lower house of parliament), and the Bank of Russia. The annual cap for retail investors is 300,000 rubles (approximately $3,700). Core provisions take effect on September 1, 2026, with some measures, like rules for non-resident digital depositories, starting July 1, 2027.
What remains unclear
The source does not flag open questions or limitations but does not detail the specific criteria for qualified investors or the exact list of approved crypto assets.