Russia Plans Major Shift in Crypto Regulation: Retail Investors Gain Limited Access as Draft Bill Removes Special Status

Moscow, Russia – January 14, 2026 – Russia is poised for a significant evolution in its cryptocurrency landscape. According to reports from state news agency TASS and interviews with key lawmakers, the State Duma has finalized a draft bill that will remove cryptocurrencies from the country’s “special financial regulation” category, paving the way for broader, more practical integration into everyday financial activities.

The legislation, led by Anatoly Aksakov, Chairman of the State Duma Committee on Financial Markets, is set for discussion during the spring 2026 parliamentary session. If passed, it could take effect as early as July 1, 2026, marking one of the most substantial policy shifts in Russia’s approach to digital assets.

Key Features of the Proposed Crypto Bill

• Retail Investor Access with Safeguards — Non-qualified (retail) investors will be permitted to purchase cryptocurrencies, but with strict annual limits to mitigate risk. Individuals can invest up to 300,000 rubles (approximately $3,800 USD, depending on exchange rates) per year.
• Unlimited Access for Professionals — Qualified and professional market participants face no investment caps, allowing greater flexibility for institutional and experienced traders.
• Broader Use Cases — The bill aims to normalize crypto as a standard financial tool, potentially simplifying taxation, inheritance, and business applications. It also supports the use of Russian-issued digital assets for cross-border payments and listing on foreign markets, helping bypass traditional restrictions.

This proposal builds on the Bank of Russia‘s December 2025 regulatory framework, which introduced concepts for regulated crypto trading through licensed intermediaries, risk-awareness checks, and defined caps for non-qualified investors.

Coordinated Support from Regulators

The initiative reflects growing alignment among Russia’s financial authorities. While the Central Bank has historically been cautious, it now backs regulated retail access with protections. Finance Minister Anton Siluanov has confirmed joint efforts between the Finance Ministry and the Central Bank to establish a unified, safeguarded framework.

Aksakov emphasized the goal:

A bill has already been prepared that removes cryptocurrencies from special financial regulation, meaning they will become commonplace in our lives.

Potential Impact on Russia’s Crypto Ecosystem

If enacted, the changes could:

• Foster the emergence of Russian-regulated crypto exchanges and platforms.
• Enable businesses to accept crypto payments or hold digital assets more confidently.
• Strengthen Russia’s position in alternative payment systems amid global sanctions.

This shift aligns with Russia’s broader push toward digital financial assets (DFAs) and blockchain innovation, while maintaining strict oversight to address volatility and compliance risks.

FAQs

How will the 300,000 ruble retail limit be enforced?

Likely through licensed exchanges and intermediaries requiring KYC/identity verification and tracking individual purchase totals against the cap.

What does removing crypto from “special financial regulation” mean?

It transitions cryptocurrencies from a niche, experimental category to more standard financial instrument rules, potentially easing legal processes for taxation, business use, and inheritance.

Could this lead to domestic crypto exchanges in Russia?

Yes — a clearer framework typically encourages licensed local platforms, reducing dependence on foreign exchanges.

How might businesses benefit?

Companies could more readily accept crypto payments or include digital assets on balance sheets, subject to new reporting and compliance standards for DFAs.

Russia’s evolving crypto policy signals a pragmatic embrace of digital assets for economic resilience, with strong safeguards for everyday users.

Disclaimer: This article is provided for informational purposes only. It is not offered or intended to be used as legal, tax, investment, financial, or other advice.