Expert Warns of Risks in Investing in Cryptocurrencies

The founder of the investment platform Lender Invest, Dmitry Isakov, warned on Wednesday, August 12, about the risks that unprepared investors may face when dealing with cryptocurrencies in Russia. He emphasized that cryptocurrency remains a high-risk instrument, and its legalization does not mean protection from fraudsters.

According to the expert, the absence of restrictions on purchasing cryptocurrency for non-qualified investors creates a risk, as many may view it as an alternative to bank deposits. However, the difference in risk level between these instruments is enormous, he emphasized.

"If a deposit is primarily intended for capital preservation, then cryptocurrency assumes the investor's readiness for significant price fluctuations (around 45–60% per year) and possible losses. The very fact of legalization does not change the nature of this instrument," Isakov said in an interview with Lenta.Ru.

He noted that it is important for a private investor not to chase the highest potential returns but to consistently build a personal financial strategy. The expert added that one should first prepare a financial safety cushion equivalent to 3–5 months of expenses, followed by familiar instruments with a predictable level of risk. And only after that can one consider high-risk assets, including cryptocurrency.

"It's better to allocate about 10–15% for experiments with a new instrument, and allocate the rest to more understandable instruments, for example, stocks, mutual funds (unit investment funds), bonds. High-risk assets can be part of diversified investments, but not a replacement for classical instruments with understandable economics and more predictable returns," Isakov emphasized.

The day before, the Central Bank of Russia included Bitcoin, Ethereum, and Tether USDT in the list of cryptocurrencies available for public circulation on exchanges, RIA Novosti (Moscow Region) writes. It is noted that qualified investors will be able to purchase all cryptocurrencies that will be traded on the exchange and over-the-counter markets without restrictions, according to NSN.

Russian President Vladimir Putin signed a law that establishes the legal framework for the circulation of cryptocurrencies in the country. The document dated August 4 is aimed at regulating operations with digital currencies and defines the procedure for their use within Russian legislation. The law regulates relations in the field of organizing the circulation, accounting, and storage of digital currencies and foreign digital instruments, mining, and the issuance and circulation of digital rights.