Putin Signs Law Regulating Crypto Trading in Russia with Strict Requirements

Russian President Vladimir Putin signed a comprehensive digital asset law on August 4, paving the way for regulated cryptocurrency trading in Russia. The law creates a framework for retail and qualified investors to buy and sell cryptocurrencies through approved intermediaries.

The regulations cap non-qualified investor purchases at 300,000 rubles ($3,700 USD) per year through each intermediary, while qualified investors may trade any cryptocurrency without purchase limits after completing mandatory suitability tests. Retail investors will only be allowed to buy the most liquid cryptocurrencies that regulators classify as such.

The law also imposes strict requirements on crypto exchange providers, including a minimum equity of 15 million rubles and membership in a financial market self-regulatory organization. Existing exchanges may operate without registration until July 1, 2027, but must join the approved SRO by that date to continue operating.