Russia Limits Altcoin Access for Retail Investors, Favors Major Cryptocurrencies
Russia's regulatory framework for digital assets has been implemented in its new set of rules. As of September 1, 2026, businesses can use Bitcoin (BTC) and Ethereum (ETH) as collateral, but most altcoins are restricted from the general public.
The rules introduce a clear distinction between digital assets used as payment means and securities, limiting retail investors to buying BTC, ETH, or Tether (USDT), capped at 300,000 rubles ($3,632) per year. Retail investors can apply for special testing to determine trading limits, potentially unlocking major cryptocurrencies.
Besides businesses in the special registry, only those conducting digital-asset related transactions are allowed to use most altcoins. The regulation allows settlements under foreign-trade contracts and maintains the legalisation of crypto mining income and security settlements. Stablecoins like USDT have gained attention from institutions such as Sberbank.