Russia Bank Exposure to Digital Currencies Limited to 1% of Capital
The Bank of Russia has proposed a new regulation limiting banks' exposure to digital currencies and foreign instruments. The draft rule, published for public review on September 18, 2026, sets a strict 1% limit on how much bank capital can be tied to these assets.
The rule applies to direct holdings, crypto-linked derivatives, loans, bonds, and repo deals whose value depends on digital currencies. The Bank of Russia has introduced two new ratios: N31 for individual credit institutions and N32 for banking groups, both measured against the institution's own capital.
Assets with low blockage and liquidity risk may be eligible for limited netting of offsetting long and short positions. However, client custody assets where the bank carries no responsibility for seizure or sanctions-related loss will not be included in the 1% limit but will still carry a risk weight of 50%.