Central Bank Proposes to Restrict Ordinary Russians' Right to Buy Cryptocurrency

RBK-cryptoPublished on 2025-12-11Last updated on 2025-12-11

Abstract

The Central Bank of Russia (CBR) has proposed restrictions that would prevent ordinary Russian citizens from purchasing cryptocurrency, according to First Deputy Chairman Vladimir Chistyukhin. The regulator suggests allowing only qualified investors to access the crypto market, provided they pass a specific test to demonstrate their understanding of how cryptocurrency works. However, the proposed rules would not restrict individuals from holding or selling crypto assets they already own; they would only be barred from making new purchases. The CBR sees no need to inform non-professional investors about crypto-related financial instruments, which are currently available only to qualified investors. While not ruling out the possibility of eventually allowing retail investors access under certain conditions and with limitations (such as only to the most liquid instruments), the CBR emphasized that legitimizing the crypto market is a current priority. The bank hopes for the adoption of cryptocurrency regulation laws by 2026.

The Central Bank has proposed introducing restrictions on cryptocurrency purchases for ordinary Russians, stated First Deputy Chairman of the Bank of Russia Vladimir Chistyukhin in an interview with RIA Novosti. According to him, the Central Bank agrees to allow qualified investors into the crypto market provided they pass certain testing.

"There should be questions on understanding how 'crypto' works, nothing extraordinary. 'Qualified investors' will find it easy to answer them and obtain the necessary status," assured the First Deputy Chairman of the Central Bank.

At the same time, no restrictions are proposed for the storage and sale of already purchased crypto assets.

"If they (ordinary people) have the status of a person who cannot conduct operations with crypto assets, they will be able to either continue holding them or sell or exchange them for some fiat currency or other assets. No restrictions on exiting crypto assets are envisaged—neither in terms of time nor volume. Only new purchase transactions will be restricted," said Chistyukhin.

He also noted that the Central Bank considers it unnecessary to inform non-professional investors about securities, digital financial assets (DFAs), and derivative financial instruments (DFIs) linked to cryptocurrency, which qualified investors already have access to. The regulator had previously recommended that professional market participants not offer crypto instruments to 'non-qualified investors'.

"That's correct, because today these instruments can only be offered to qualified investors. Why then stir up the attention of non-qualified ones? What's the goal? To increase their risks? I don't understand it. This is a very strange position," said Chistyukhin.

At the same time, he did not rule out that under certain conditions, non-qualified investors might still be allowed access to cryptocurrency instruments, albeit with some restrictions.

"If a decision is made to allow 'non-qualified investors' under certain conditions, then the circle of those who can conduct operations with crypto will expand," added Chistyukhin, noting that such investors might only be granted access to the most liquid instruments.

He also mentioned that the Bank of Russia currently considers it fundamentally important to legitimize the cryptocurrency market in Russia. There is no time for experiments, and the Central Bank hopes for the adoption of laws regulating cryptocurrencies in 2026, noted Chistyukhin.

In Belarus, access to major crypto exchange websites has been restricted.

The Central Bank named Bitcoin the most loss-making asset for November when invested in rubles.

Russia accounted for up to 31% of the traffic of the largest crypto exchanges in November.

Trending Cryptos

CitreaCTR

wrapped stUSDTWSTUSDT

MiCA is coming for DeFi vaults, but regulation will be difficult

The European Commission is exploring whether to extend the Markets in Crypto-Assets (MiCA) regulation to cover decentralized finance (DeFi) lending and borrowing, including lending vaults. These vaults, which channel billions into on-chain credit markets, present significant regulatory challenges because their decentralized structure doesn't map neatly onto existing financial frameworks. Their legal status is currently based on non-binding interpretations that they fall outside MiCA and EU fund rules. The article uses Morpho's decentralized lending protocol as an example, illustrating how responsibilities are divided among various participants (owner, curator, allocator, sentinel), making it difficult to identify a single "provider" to regulate. Experts warn that broadly categorizing "DeFi lending" could inadvertently capture vastly different structures. They argue that any regulatory approach should focus on the specific structure and control mechanisms of a vault, rather than using decentralization as a simple dividing line, and that DeFi lending may require a dedicated, carefully crafted framework distinct from traditional finance. The Commission's consultation closes on September 30, 2026. The core challenge for regulators is not just whether to regulate DeFi lending, but how to design rules that distinguish between different forms of on-chain lending and the entities that control them.

cointelegraph42m ago

MiCA is coming for DeFi vaults, but regulation will be difficult

cointelegraph42m ago

Coinbase, Criticized for Selling Ethereum, Responds to the Criticism!

Coinbase founder Jesse Pollak has responded to criticism over the company's sale of Ethereum ($ETH), arguing that Coinbase's contributions to the Ethereum ecosystem are undervalued. Pollak stated that Coinbase is one of the largest institutional holders of $ETH outside of Digital Asset Trusts (DATs). He highlighted Coinbase's role as a major client via the Base network, which has introduced millions of users to Ethereum, and its significant contributions to Ethereum's EVM development and roadmap. Pollak expressed confusion over the criticism, noting that Coinbase has held roughly 150,000 $ETH for years through market volatility. His comments follow support from chaskin.eth, an Ethereum Foundation member, who pointed out that Coinbase and related teams contribute to key ecosystem projects like Base, USDC, cbBTC, EIP-4844, ERC-4337 smart wallets, and x402. Pollak urged the Ethereum community to avoid constant criticism of the protocol and ecosystem companies, warning that a hostile approach could harm the ecosystem long-term. He emphasized the need to support, not exclude, companies building on Ethereum, suggesting ongoing criticism could drive large institutional users away from the community.

cryptonews.ru2h ago

Coinbase, Criticized for Selling Ethereum, Responds to the Criticism!

cryptonews.ru2h ago

Grayscale Report: Financial Privacy in the AI Era, Why Zcash Should Not Be Overlooked?

Title: Grayscale Report: Financial Privacy in the AI Era – Why Zcash Should Not Be Overlooked The article argues that privacy is a fundamental, not niche, attribute of functional money. It highlights that technological shifts, like the rise of AI and stablecoins, are driving a new wave of public focus on financial privacy. Zcash, a decentralized digital currency similar to Bitcoin but with built-in privacy via zero-knowledge proofs, is positioned to address this need. Unlike transparent blockchains, Zcash offers users the option to conduct "shielded" transactions that hide sender, receiver, and amount while remaining verifiable. The report details Zcash's evolution, noting key upgrades that improved usability and security. It points to rising on-chain usage of privacy features as evidence of real demand. Currently, ZEC holds a minimal share (~0.4%) of the total crypto market cap. Grayscale suggests this reflects a market assumption that privacy is a marginal concern. The investment thesis hinges on a potential market re-evaluation: if privacy is recognized as a core monetary feature in an era of enhanced surveillance, Zcash's current valuation represents significant upside potential. Key risks discussed include regulatory challenges, historical trusted setup concerns for older pools (mitigated by newer protocols), quantum computing threats, and execution risks associated with future technical upgrades. The conclusion is that while the future scale of private digital currency is uncertain, the market currently prices in little chance of its value increasing substantially, presenting a potential opportunity for investors.

marsbit2h ago

OriginX Brings Bitcoin Leaders From 22 Countries and More Than 70 Partners to Seoul for ORIGIN SEOUL 2026

OriginX, a Seoul-based Bitcoin company, will host the ORIGIN SEOUL 2026 conference on September 1-2 at SKY31 Convention in Lotte World Tower. The event will gather Bitcoin leaders from 22 countries and over 70 partner organizations. It builds on the work of Bitcoin House ORIGIN, South Korea's largest dedicated Bitcoin coworking space, which hosted over 90 events in the first half of 2026. The conference features an Industry Day (Sep 1) focusing on institutional investment, ETFs, custody, and Bitcoin-native finance, and a Public Day (Sep 2) covering market analysis, self-custody, and community building. Key speakers include James Check of Checkonchain, Teruko Neriki on adoption in Japan, and a panel on grassroots outreach. ORIGIN SEOUL will be accompanied by 14 official side events across the city, from workshops to a community run. It is also connected to Bitcoin Asia in Hong Kong, forming Bitcoin Asia Week. OriginX CEO Ryan Lee emphasized the event is a culmination of year-round community building and partner collaboration, aiming to connect the global Bitcoin ecosystem with Seoul's culture.

TheNewsCrypto3h ago

OriginX Brings Bitcoin Leaders From 22 Countries and More Than 70 Partners to Seoul for ORIGIN SEOUL 2026

TheNewsCrypto3h ago

With the Transition of AI Agents to Real Spending, a New Phase May Begin for XRP

The article discusses the potential for a new phase for XRP as AI agents transition from purchasing digital assets to conducting real-world commercial transactions. Chandler Fang, co-founder of t54 (an AI agent startup and former Ripple product lead), outlines a future economy where autonomous software agents perform tasks involving payments. These agents have already executed over a million transactions on the XRP Ledger (XRPL). The evolution involves three stages: 1) paying for digital services (APIs, compute); 2) agents gaining limited spending authority for goods/services with user-set budgets and rules; and 3) agents integrated into enterprise systems (treasury, logistics) making background decisions. Ripple's XRPL AI Starter Kit and Mastercard’s "Agent Pay for Machines" program are cited as enabling infrastructure. Payment assets ($XRP for settlement, $RLUSD for dollar-denominated value) will be used based on transaction needs, not in competition. Widespread adoption may be "invisible," with agents seamlessly choosing blockchain infrastructure without user intervention. Success metrics will shift from transaction volume to meaningful economic activity, compliance, and dispute resolution.

cryptonews.ru3h ago

With the Transition of AI Agents to Real Spending, a New Phase May Begin for XRP

cryptonews.ru3h ago

Trading

Spot

Hot Articles

What is $BANK

Bank AI: A Revolutionary Step in the Future of Banking Introduction In an era marked by rapid advancements in technology, Bank AI stands at the intersection of artificial intelligence (AI) and banking services. This innovative project seeks to redefine the financial landscape, enhancing operational efficiency, security measures, and customer experiences through the power of AI. As we embark on this exploration of Bank AI, we will delve into what the project entails, its operational dynamics, its historical context, and significant milestones. What is Bank AI? At its core, Bank AI represents a transformative initiative aimed at integrating artificial intelligence into various banking operations. This project harnesses the capabilities of AI to automate processes, improve risk management protocols, and enhance customer interaction through personalised services. The primary objectives of Bank AI include: Automation of Banking Functions: By leveraging AI technologies, Bank AI aims to automate routine tasks, reducing the burden on human resources and enhancing efficiency. Enhanced Risk Management: The project utilises AI algorithms to predict and identify risks, thereby fortifying security measures against fraud and other threats. Personalisation of Banking Services: Bank AI focuses on offering tailored financial products and services by analysing customer data and behaviours. Improving Customer Experience: The implementation of AI-driven solutions, such as chatbots and virtual assistants, aims to provide users with more human-like interactions, revolutionising the way customers engage with banks. With these goals, Bank AI positions itself as a crucial player in rendering banking more efficient, secure, and user-centric. Who is the Creator of Bank AI? Details regarding the creator of Bank AI remain unknown. As such, no specific individual or organisation has been identified in the available information. The anonymity surrounding the project's inception raises questions but does not detract from its ambitious vision and objectives. Who are the Investors of Bank AI? Similar to the project's creator, specific information regarding the investors or supporting organisations of Bank AI has not been disclosed. Without this information, it is challenging to outline the financial backing and institutional support that might be propelling the project forward. Nevertheless, the importance of having a robust investment foundation is pivotal for sustaining development in such an innovative field. How Does Bank AI Work? Bank AI operates on several innovative fronts, focusing on unique factors that differentiate it from traditional banking frameworks. Below are key operational features: Automation: By applying machine learning algorithms, Bank AI automates various manual processes within banks. This results in reduced operational costs and allows human workers to redirect their efforts towards more strategic activities. Advanced Risk Management: The integration of AI into risk management practices equips banks with tools to accurately predict potential threats such as fraud, ensuring that customer information and assets remain secure. Tailored Financial Recommendations: Through continuous learning from customer interactions, the AI systems develop a nuanced understanding of user needs, enabling them to offer tailored advice on financial decisions. Enhanced Customer Interactions: Utilizing chatbots and virtual assistants powered by AI, Bank AI enables a more engaging customer experience, allowing users to have their queries resolved quickly, thus reducing wait times and improving satisfaction levels. Together, these operational features position Bank AI as a pioneer in the banking sector, establishing new benchmarks for service delivery and operational excellence. Timeline of Bank AI Understanding the trajectory of Bank AI requires a look at its historical context. Below is a timeline highlighting important milestones and developments: Early 2010s: The conceptualisation of AI integration into banking services began to gain attention as banking institutions recognised the potential benefits. 2018: A marked increase in the implementation of AI technologies occurred when banks started using AI tools like chatbots for basic customer service and risk management systems for improved security handling. 2023: The sophistication of AI continued to advance, with generative AI being introduced for more complex tasks such as document processing and real-time investment analysis. This year marked a significant leap in the capabilities afforded to banks by AI technology. 2024-Current Status: As of this year, Bank AI is on an upward trajectory, with ongoing research and developments poised to further enhance capabilities in banking operations. Continued exploration of AI applications hints at exciting developments yet to come. Key Points About Bank AI Integration of AI in Banking: Bank AI focuses on adopting artificial intelligence to streamline banking processes and improve user experiences. Automation and Risk Management Focus: The project strongly emphasises these areas, aiming to shift the burden of routine tasks while enhancing security frameworks through predictive analytics. Personalised Banking Solutions: By harnessing customer data, Bank AI enables tailored banking services that cater to individual user needs. Commitment to Development: Bank AI remains committed to ongoing research and development efforts, ensuring its adaptability and ongoing relevance as technology continues to evolve. Conclusion In summary, Bank AI exemplifies a crucial step forward in the banking industry, leveraging artificial intelligence to reshape operational paradigms, enhance security, and promote customer satisfaction. Despite gaps in information surrounding the creator and investors, the clear objectives and functional mechanisms of Bank AI provide a strong foundation for its ongoing evolution. As AI technology continues to advance and merge with the banking sector, Bank AI is well-positioned to significantly impact the future of financial services, enhancing the way we understand and interact with banking.

411 Total ViewsPublished 2024.04.06Updated 2024.12.03

Discussions

Welcome to the HTX Community. Here, you can stay informed about the latest platform developments and gain access to professional market insights. Users' opinions on the price of BANK (BANK) are presented below.