Russia Opens Regulated Crypto Route for Retail Investors

Russia's new cryptocurrency framework has taken effect, allowing non-qualified investors to buy selected digital assets through supervised intermediaries. The rules, which kicked in on September 1, 2026, permit purchases of up to ₽300,000 per year for Bitcoin, Ethereum, and Tether USDT.

Qualified investors face fewer restrictions, with no annual purchase cap and access to a wider range of cryptocurrencies. However, they must still complete required testing and acknowledge the risks involved.

The framework draws a clear line between owning cryptocurrency and using it as money in Russia. While digital currencies can be used in foreign-trade settlements, they remain prohibited as a means of domestic payment.