Russia Unveils Regulated Crypto Framework Amid Digital Ruble Rollout
Russia's crypto market has been transformed by Federal Law 282-FZ, which took effect on September 1, 2026. The law formally legalizes regulated crypto trading and custody through licensed intermediaries, while also introducing a central bank digital currency (CBDC), the digital ruble.
The Bank of Russia is now in charge of licensing exchanges, brokers, management companies, digital depositories, and organized trading venues. Only three tokens are approved for regulated retail access: Bitcoin, Ether, and USDT.
Retail investors face a 300,000 ruble ($3,704) annual purchase cap per licensed intermediary, while qualified investors have no purchase limits. The tax authority requires Russian residents to declare foreign crypto wallets, and market participants must secure licenses by July 1, 2027.