Subida acentuada de Billions Network (BILL)

**Title: Russia's Banking System Bleeds Cash as Citizens Turn to Crypto, But New Law Imposes Strict Limits** **Summary:** Russia is witnessing a significant outflow of cash from its banking system, with citizens withdrawing approximately €24.4 billion in the first seven months of 2026. This trend accelerated in July, marking the highest monthly increase for the year. Major banks like Gazprombank and Sberbank have reported substantial deposit losses. Simultaneously, cryptocurrency transaction volumes have surged, with an estimated daily trading volume of around $650 million. Officials note that annual crypto transactions exceed 10 trillion rubles, largely occurring outside regulated channels. Citizens are increasingly using crypto as a tool to hedge against currency depreciation and financial uncertainty. In response, President Putin signed the "Digital Currency and Digital Rights Law," with key provisions taking effect on September 1, 2026. This law severely restricts access for ordinary citizens. Non-qualified retail investors will be limited to purchasing only about $3,600 worth of cryptocurrency (initially Bitcoin, Ethereum, and USDT) per year through any single licensed intermediary. Qualified investors and businesses face no such limits for cross-border settlements. Official explanations for the cash exodus cite technical factors like tax changes and digital payment disruptions. However, analysts and media point to deeper public concerns over potential asset freezes, economic instability related to the war, and a lack of trust in the financial system. Notably, September 1 also marks the public launch of the Digital Ruble, Russia's central bank digital currency (CBDC). This creates a dual dynamic: tightening control over decentralized crypto assets while introducing a state-controlled digital currency for payments. For ordinary Russians, traditional banking is losing appeal, crypto access is being capped, and the new Digital Ruble offers a third, fully state-managed pathway.

On July 20th, former President Donald Trump convened a roundtable in Washington D.C. with top executives from major U.S. financial, cryptocurrency, and tech firms, alongside key regulators. The meeting focused on maintaining U.S. competitiveness in global finance and AI, with a significant emphasis on the crypto industry. Trump highlighted his administration's previous actions, including signing the *GENIUS Act* to facilitate compliant, dollar-pegged stablecoins. He urged Congress to accelerate the passage of the *Clarity Act*, which aims to clearly distinguish between crypto securities and commodities, with a potential vote scheduled for September 15th. Regulators outlined key initiatives. The CFTC Chairman confirmed the launch of the first U.S.-regulated Bitcoin perpetual futures contract in May 2026 and announced efforts to bring the decentralized exchange protocol Hyperliquid into the U.S. under a compliant framework. The SEC Chairman proposed new rules to provide clarity for crypto startups seeking to raise capital through digital asset offerings legally. When asked about expanding the U.S. government's Bitcoin reserves, Trump stated he was "open to it" and would consult his regulatory team. The discussion also briefly touched on AI, with Trump proposing fast-track approvals for tech companies to build dedicated power plants to meet AI's energy demands.

A group of South Korean lawmakers has introduced a bill to expand the Financial Intelligence Unit's (FIU) investigative powers over unregistered crypto businesses. The proposed amendment would allow the FIU to directly investigate and analyze alleged violations, file complaints, and request criminal probes, rather than relying solely on police. Currently, police have suspended most investigations into unregistered overseas-based firms referred by the FIU. Crypto firms serving South Korea must register, with 28 registered and 40 suspected illegal operators referred to authorities as of June.

A group of South Korean lawmakers, led by People Power Party representative Om Tae-yeon, has proposed a bill to amend the current financial law. The amendment would significantly expand the powers of the Financial Intelligence Unit (FIU) to investigate unregistered cryptocurrency companies operating in or serving South Korean customers. Under the proposed changes, the FIU would gain the authority to directly investigate alleged violations based on reports from any individual, file complaints, request criminal investigations, and transfer information to prosecutors. This marks a shift from the current system, where the FIU identifies suspected unregistered operators but relies on police and other agencies to conduct investigations. The bill's introduction follows reports that police suspended investigations into 23 out of 25 unregistered virtual asset service providers referred by the FIU between August 2022 and August 2025, primarily because the companies were based overseas. Currently, 28 providers are registered with the FIU, which has referred 40 cases of suspected illegal operators to investigative authorities. The proposed legislation must now undergo review in the National Assembly before any amendments to the law are enacted.

South Korean legislators have introduced a bill aiming to grant the country's Financial Intelligence Unit (FIU) its own investigative powers to directly pursue unregistered crypto asset service providers. Currently, the FIU can identify such operators but relies on police for follow-up investigations, a process deemed slow and inefficient. Between August 2022 and August 2025, police suspended or closed 23 out of 25 cases referred by the FIU, often citing difficulties like operators being based overseas. The proposed amendment would allow the FIU to investigate tips, analyze information, file complaints, and request criminal probes itself. This move is part of broader efforts to tighten crypto regulation, which recently included implementing full "travel rule" requirements and stricter registration processes that have slowed new provider approvals. The FIU reported a significant rise in suspicious transaction reports last year, with about 90% linked to illegal cross-border remittance schemes. The bill has been submitted to a parliamentary committee but must pass further legislative steps to become law.