Bank of Russia Sets Framework for Retail Crypto Trading with Strict Limits

The Bank of Russia has proposed a new framework for retail investors to participate in cryptocurrency trading through licensed intermediaries.

Under the draft directive, non-qualified retail investors will be allowed to purchase digital assets through brokers, crypto exchanges, or asset managers, but with an annual investment ceiling of 300,000 rubles.

The central bank has selected three tokens for initial public circulation: Bitcoin, Ethereum, and Tether's USDT. The regulator cited market capitalization, average daily trading volume, and a minimum of five years of pricing history as criteria for selection.

XRP was excluded due to its history of regulatory volatility with the U.S. SEC, according to analysts.