Russia Prepares New Crypto Law Allowing Daily Use With Strict Retail Limits

• Russia plans to legalize everyday crypto use by 2026 through regulated platforms.
• Retail investors face strict limits, while professional investors get wider access.

Russia is preparing a new crypto law, which makes people use it in everyday life instead of treating it as a special or experimental asset. This plan was announced by Anatoly Aksakov, who was the head of the financial market committee in the State Duma. Earlier, Russia only allowed crypto for limited uses like trading or sending money. Now, because of the economic pressure and sanctions, the government wants crypto to be regulated, controlled, but usable. 

If the bill passes, then the crypto would no longer be under special financial regulations. Digital assets could be used more normally, including investing and regulated crypto trading, which would expand across Russia. The law would take effect as early as July 1, 2026. Major stock exchanges in Moscow and St. Petersburg are already preparing crypto platforms.

The reason behind Russia changing its stance is that the sanctions pressure has made the alternative financial systems more important, and the crypto activity has grown despite restrictions. The central bank’s resistance is softening even if it remains cautious. So many sources have estimated that 70 – 80% chance for the bill to pass. 

Russia Adopts Two-Tier Crypto Access Model for Retail and Professional Investors

Russia will treat crypto investors in two different groups: retail investors and qualified investors. For the retailers, access is strictly limited. They can trade through the licensed Russian platforms and must pass a risk awareness test. They should buy only the approved cryptocurrencies with an annual limit of 300,000 rubles. These restrictions are made to protect the citizens from the volatility and large losses. 

Qualified investors are professional investors who have broader access. Institutions, experienced traders, and wealthy investors come under this division. They have no restriction on the annual investment cap and can trade more crypto assets. They have restrictions on the privacy coins and must still pass the risk test. 

The central banks still see crypto as risky, but sanctions and economic realities are pushing Russia to controlled acceptance. Central banks already legalized crypto trading via regulated platforms and set a full rollout target of 2027. 

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