Russia Opens Crypto Trading with Strict Retail Limits

Russia has opened its doors to legal cryptocurrency trading, but retail investors face strict limits. Non-qualified investors can buy up to 300,000 rubles ($3,800) annually through each licensed intermediary, with a risk-assessment test required for participation.

The new framework focuses on Bitcoin, Ethereum, and Tether's USDT for initial public trading. Qualified investors are exempt from the purchase limit, but both types of investors must complete an assessment before trading.

SberCIB Investment Research analysts expect regulated exchange trading to account for about 20% of Russia's existing cryptocurrency transaction volume in the first year. The Bank of Russia has identified these cryptocurrencies based on market capitalization, average daily trading volume, and at least five years of pricing history on foreign exchanges.