Russia Legalizes Retail Crypto Trading Amid Global Market Shifts
Russian President Vladimir Putin signed a landmark law that establishes a regulatory framework for the country's crypto market. The legislation allows retail investors to buy up to 300,000 rubles ($3,700) worth of the most liquid cryptocurrencies per year, but retains a ban on using crypto to pay for goods and services inside Russia.
Crypto exchanges are required to join a special registry, meet a minimum equity requirement of 15 million rubles ($185,200), and join a financial market self-regulatory organization. Cross-border crypto settlements are allowed for foreign trade, a carve-out Russia reportedly began using in 2024 to work around Western sanctions.
Coinbase launched 24/5 trading in nearly 4,000 U.S. stocks to eligible UK users, its latest expansion beyond digital assets as it builds out what it calls an 'Everything Exchange.'