Russia Launches Regulated Crypto Market with Bitcoin, Ethereum, USDT as Exclusive Assets

Russia has introduced a comprehensive regulatory framework for cryptocurrency trading, allowing market participants to acquire digital currencies through licensed brokers and trading platforms.

The Central Bank of Russia implemented these measures effective September 1, 2026, with Sberbank projecting the legitimate market could handle up to $46.43 billion in its first operational year.

Anatoly Popov, Deputy Chairman of Sberbank, said that regulated Russian exchanges are expected to record at least $46.43 billion in crypto trading volume during the first year, with approximately 20% of Russia's existing cryptocurrency transactions anticipated to transition to regulated platforms.