How the Central Bank Will Regulate Cryptocurrencies in Russia. The Main Points
The Central Bank of Russia has published a concept for regulating cryptocurrencies and digital assets, with legislative changes proposed to the government. While crypto assets can be purchased by both qualified and unqualified investors, they are recognized as high-risk and cannot be used for domestic payments.
Key regulations include: Unqualified investors can only buy the most liquid cryptocurrencies after passing a test, with an annual limit of 300,000 rubles per intermediary. Qualified investors can purchase any non-anonymous cryptocurrencies without volume limits, also after risk testing. Operations will be conducted through existing licensed infrastructure like exchanges and brokers. Residents can buy crypto abroad using foreign accounts and transfer previously purchased crypto overseas through Russian intermediaries, but must notify the tax service.
The legal framework is to be prepared by July 1, 2026, with penalties for illegal intermediary activities effective from July 1, 2027. The regulation also covers the market for Russian Digital Financial Assets (DFAs), permitting their circulation on open networks to allow issuers to attract foreign investment. DFAs, distinct from cryptocurrencies, are tokenized versions of real assets issued on private blockchains by approved operators.
RBK-crypto12/23 12:14
