Russia’s New Crypto Law Takes Effect, Caps Investors at $3,700

Effective September 1, 2026, Russia’s digital‑asset legislation (Bill No. 1194918‑8) legalised regulated cryptocurrency trading across the country. The law places the Bank of Russia in charge of overseeing licensed crypto intermediaries and introduces a retail‑investor purchase cap of 300,000 ruble (about $3,700) per year per broker.

Regulated Intermediaries and Central Bank Oversight

Exchanges, brokers and custodians must now register as licensed intermediaries and join a financial‑market self‑regulatory organization. The central bank will decide which digital assets each intermediary may offer, giving Moscow direct control over the coins available to Russian investors.

Retail Investor Cap and Professional Investors

Retail investors are limited to 300,000 ruble in crypto purchases annually through any single licensed broker. Qualified or professional investors are exempt from this ceiling.

Limited Use of Crypto for Payments

The longstanding ban on using digital assets for domestic goods and services remains. However, businesses engaged in foreign economic activity may accept cryptocurrency for international trade transactions.

Implementation Timeline

Only core provisions take effect on September 1. Full licensing and compliance requirements for exchanges and custodians are expected to be phased in, with final implementation scheduled for July 1, 2027.

Implications for the Market

The law provides a legal pathway for retail investors to buy crypto within a defined ceiling and offers exporters a narrow channel to settle cross‑border deals in digital assets, potentially easing sanctions‑related pressures.