Russia's New Digital Asset Regulations Favor Business Over Retail Investors

Russia's new set of rules introduces digital assets as collateral for businesses, but limits retail investors to buying Bitcoin (BTC), Ethereum (ETH) or Tether (USDT), capped at 300,000 rubles ($3,632) per year.

The regulations, kicking in on September 1, 2026, place a clear barrier between digital assets as payment means & as securities. Retail investors are prone to special testing, determining trading limits with the possibility of claiming an advanced status, that technically unlocks all major cryptocurrencies.

Businesses included in the special registry can conduct digital-asset related transactions. However, most Russian businesses get a better deal: settlements under foreign-trade contracts and security settlements are allowed.