Russia Enacts Sweeping Crypto Regulation Amid Global Sanctions

Russian President Vladimir Putin has signed the Digital Currency and Digital Rights Law, marking a significant shift in the country's regulatory stance on cryptocurrencies. The law, which comes into effect on September 1, 2026, divides crypto users into two categories: retail (non-qualified) investors and professional (qualified) investors.

Retail investors are restricted to an annual purchase limit of 300,000 rubles ($3,750), can only trade in highly liquid cryptocurrencies such as Bitcoin, Ethereum, and Tether through licensed intermediaries. Professional investors, on the other hand, face no limits on investment amounts or types of digital assets traded.

All crypto service providers, including exchanges, brokers, and clearance houses, must register with the Central Bank by July 1, 2027. Licensed operators are required to maintain a minimum equity of 15 million rubles ($187,000) and join a financial market self-regulatory organization (SRO).

Russia now considers crypto mining a legitimate economic activity, with companies required to register with the relevant authorities. Prime Minister Mikhail Mishustin has imposed a regional ban on crypto mining in Moscow and parts of Kursk from August 15, 2026, until December 31, 2032.