Russia Opens Regulated Market for BTC, ETH, USDT Under New Crypto Law

Russia's new cryptocurrency law took effect on September 1, 2026, allowing Bitcoin (BTC), Ethereum (ETH), and USDT to be used in a regulated market under the Bank of Russia's supervision.

Under the law, retail investors can purchase these approved assets through licensed platforms, but they must first pass a knowledge test and may only buy up to 300,000 rubles ($3,700) per year. Qualified investors face no such limits.

The law also gives cryptocurrencies legal status as property, allowing owners to seek protection for their digital assets. Additionally, it allows exporters and importers to use crypto for international trade payments, providing Russian businesses with an alternative way to settle deals amidst banking restrictions and sanctions.

However, owning these assets does not mean Russians can spend them freely; crypto payments for domestic transactions remain banned, with the ruble continuing to be the country's legal tender. Major banks must offer digital ruble wallets, while retailers earning more than 120 million rubles a year must accept payments in the digital ruble.