Russia Sets 2026 Timeline for Full Crypto Market Regulation

• Russia sets July 1, 2026, rollout for regulated crypto, dividing investors into qualified and non-qualified groups.
• Non-qualified investors face strict limits, knowledge tests and must trade through a single licensed intermediary.
• Crypto trading moves to licensed exchanges and brokers, with privacy tokens excluded and foreign transactions reportable.

Russia has set a clear timeline to regulate crypto access nationwide, a shift toward controlled legalization. The Bank of Russia submitted a new framework to the government, according to Bloomberg News. The plan targets July 1, 2026, for rollout, driven by sanctions pressure and growing domestic crypto activity.

Central Bank Sets Tiered Investor Access Rules

Under the proposal, the Bank of Russia divides crypto investors into qualified and non-qualified categories. Notably, both groups would gain legal access to cryptocurrencies through regulated channels. However, requirements and limits would differ sharply between the two groups.

Non-qualified investors would face narrow access and strict annual limits. They could only buy select, highly traded cryptocurrencies. However, regulators have not yet published the approved asset list. In addition, retail investors must pass a basic knowledge test before trading. Annual purchases would also be capped at 300,000 rubles, or about $3,800.

Moreover, non-qualified investors must trade through a single licensed intermediary. These intermediaries would meet higher compliance standards. As a result, identity checks, cybersecurity rules, and asset segregation would apply.

Qualified investors would operate under fewer constraints. They could buy most cryptocurrencies without volume limits. However, they must complete a risk-awareness test. Privacy-focused and anonymous tokens would remain excluded from unrestricted access.

Crypto Trading Moves Into Licensed Markets

The framework aims to move crypto activity into supervised financial infrastructure. Trading would occur through licensed exchanges, brokers and trust managers. Separate standards would apply to custodians and trading platforms.

Notably, firms serving retail investors would face additional oversight. These measures include clear risk disclosures and enhanced reporting. Consequently, larger institutions may dominate due to higher compliance costs.

At the same time, Russian residents could still buy cryptocurrencies abroad. However, they must report foreign transactions to Russian tax authorities. Digital financial assets may also circulate on public networks under controlled conditions.

Sanctions Pressure Shapes Policy Shift

This proposal follows earlier policy reversals tied to sanctions. In 2022, the Bank of Russia called for a complete crypto ban. Later, restricted banking access increased crypto use for cross-border settlements.

In 2024, authorities legalized crypto for foreign trade settlements. Banks also gained approval for limited crypto operations. Russia additionally permitted cryptocurrency mining using surplus energy. However, domestic crypto payments remain banned, and rubles remain mandatory for local transactions.