TL;DR
- Russian parliament is finalizing a law to allow citizens to buy cryptocurrencies.
- The proposal sets an annual purchase limit of roughly $3,800 for retail investors.
- Retail users must pass a risk awareness test and use state-authorized exchanges.
The Russian parliament is finalizing a draft law that redefines access to digital assets. The legislation would allow ordinary citizens to buy and hold cryptocurrencies within established limits. Currently, the draft is in its final stages of review in the State Duma.
The Chairman of the Financial Market Committee, Anatoly Aksakov, stated the law would remove cryptocurrencies from a special regulatory regime. This change would make them more common financial instruments. The measure represents a tangible shift in the country’s stance after a period of stricter restrictions.
Annual Caps and Requirements for Retail Investors
The proposal sets an annual purchase cap for individuals not classified as professional investors. The suggested limit is 300,000 rubles, approximately $3,800. This mechanism aims to allow public participation while attempting to contain the risk of high losses.
Retail buyers will need to meet specific conditions. Reports indicate a mandatory brief risk-awareness test. Furthermore, all transactions must be conducted through state-authorized exchanges or brokers. This rule intends to minimize the use of unregulated peer-to-peer platforms.
Qualified investors, a group that includes institutions and certified professionals, will operate under different rules. This group will not face annual limits on their purchase volume. However, they must demonstrate advanced knowledge of the digital asset market’s risks.
The draft law will be debated during the spring parliamentary session. Its approval by the State Duma could lead to a gradual implementation starting in late 2026. Aksakov noted the goal is to normalize the use of cryptocurrencies in everyday financial life.
The Bank of Russia continues to develop a complementary regulatory framework. The monetary authority plans to introduce sanctions for unauthorized intermediaries starting in 2027. The overall approach seeks to create a controlled environment where both ordinary and qualified investors can operate with legal clarity.
