Russia finalizes crypto trading rules ahead of Nov. 17 rollout — SkimNews
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- Bank of Russia finalized rules allowing regulated intermediaries to offer Bitcoin, Ether and Tether USDt to retail investors starting Nov. 17. Non-qualified investors can buy up to 300,000 rubles (about $3,700) annually through each intermediary; qualified investors face no purchase limit, and every investor must pass a mandatory test.
- Putin signed legislation on Aug. 4 establishing a regulated cryptocurrency market under central bank oversight, with the law taking effect Sept. 1.
- Sberbank was authorized in October to offer crypto exchange services under Russia’s new regulated market framework.
- Moscow Exchange is preparing to launch crypto trading on Dec. 1, initially offering Bitcoin, Ether and Tether USDt through pilot transactions.
- Bank of Russia identified Bitcoin, Ether and Tether USDt as eligible for public trading in draft regulations published Aug. 11, based on market capitalization, average daily trading volume and at least five years of foreign-exchange price history.
- Bank of Russia will prohibit direct peer-to-peer crypto trading starting July 1, 2027, while transfers from regulated digital accounts to self-custody wallets are already banned and using cryptocurrency to pay for goods and services remains prohibited.
Why it matters: Retail investors gain regulated access to Bitcoin, Ether and Tether USDt from Nov. 17, but the market is tiered: non-qualified buyers can spend only 300,000 rubles (about $3,700) annually per intermediary, while qualified investors face no cap. Every participant must pass a mandatory test before trading.
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