Russia finalizes draft bill to legalize crypto trading!
Anatoly Aksakov (chairman of the State Duma Committee on Financial Markets) announced that Russian lawmakers have finalized a draft bill to significantly expand and regulate cryptocurrency trading.
This builds on the Bank of Russia's December 2025 framework, which already outlined plans to legalize crypto trading through licensed platforms (exchanges, brokers, etc.) starting in 2026.
Key Details of the Draft BillRemoves crypto from "special financial regulation" — Treating digital assets more like conventional investment instruments, making them more accessible for everyday use (e.g., as investments, or even in contexts like marital property division).
Two-tier investor system for controlled access:Non-qualified (retail) investors — Ordinary citizens can buy crypto, but with strict limits: up to 300,000 rubles (roughly $3,800) per year. They'll likely need to pass a risk-awareness test and use regulated intermediaries.
Qualified/professional investors — No annual caps, broader options (except privacy coins like fully anonymous ones, which remain banned), after a knowledge/risk assessment.
Domestic payments still prohibited — Crypto won't replace the ruble for everyday transactions (groceries, taxes, etc.).
The ruble stays the only legal tender inside Russia.
Boost for international use — Easier cross-border settlements and potential for Russian-issued tokens to be used/listed abroad, helping navigate sanctions.
The bill is expected to be debated in the State Duma's spring 2026 session, with full implementation targeted around July 1, 2026. Major exchanges like St. Petersburg Exchange are already gearing up to launch regulated trading once it passes.
This marks a pragmatic pivot for Russia — from years of caution (and partial bans) to embracing regulated crypto as a tool for investment and global trade.