Putin Signs Landmark Law Launching Russia's Regulated Crypto Market

Russia has officially launched its regulated digital currency market under a landmark law signed by President Vladimir Putin. The legislation, which formalizes an already booming market, brings crypto trading out of the shadow economy and facilitates cross-border trade.

The new law creates Russia's first regulated cryptocurrency market, allowing Russians to buy and sell approved cryptocurrencies through licensed platforms supervised by the Central Bank from September 1, 2026. Only the world's largest and most actively traded cryptocurrencies will be available on the regulated market initially, with Bitcoin, Ether (Ethereum), and the USDT stablecoin meeting the criteria.

Russia aims to give its businesses more options for paying foreign partners after Western sanctions severely restricted access to the traditional international financial system. The country has increasingly settled transactions in rubles and the national currencies of its trading partners, such as the Chinese yuan and the Indian rupee.