Russia Expands Regulated Crypto Access as Banks Gear Up

Russia has expanded regulated access to cryptocurrencies for both qualified and non-qualified investors. The new rules, which took effect on September 1, allow traders to exchange digital assets through licensed intermediaries.

Major banks in the country are preparing infrastructure to support the new regulations, while the Bank of Russia has proposed limiting cryptocurrency-related risk to 1% of a bank's capital.

Non-qualified investors face annual purchase limits under the new rules, but crypto payments within Russia remain prohibited. Banks will be required to report cryptocurrency-related risk and turnover from January 2027 onwards.