Putin Signs Russia's First Comprehensive Cryptocurrency Law
Russia has finalized its first comprehensive cryptocurrency law, signed by President Vladimir Putin on August 6th. The bill sets out a regulatory framework for cryptocurrency exchanges, brokers, custodians, and investors, with key provisions taking effect from September 1st, 2026.
The new law allows trading and investment in cryptocurrencies, but maintains the ban on using them to pay for goods and services inside Russia. Retail investors can buy approved cryptocurrencies through brokers, with an annual purchase limit of 300,000 roubles per broker. Qualified investors, however, have no such limits.
The Central Bank of Russia will hold supervisory authority over the regulated market, drawing up detailed rules and determining which cryptocurrencies licensed brokers can offer. Non-resident digital depository institutions are subject to a separate set of regulations, with provisions taking effect from July 1st, 2027.