Russia has taken a major step toward making cryptocurrency part of everyday life.
Until now, crypto in Russia has been limited to trading and cross-border transactions. However, the government is beginning to show a shift by preparing new legislation that allows unqualified investors limited access to digital assets.
Reported by the Russian news agency TASS on 13/01/2026, Anatoly Aksakov, Chairman of the State Duma's Financial Markets Committee, revealed that the bill’s draft had been finalized.
This legislation will remove crypto from the special financial regulatory regime. Thus, it will be treated more like traditional financial instruments. The aim is to normalize the use of cryptocurrency in everyday life, from investments to the division of marital property.
This increased access to digital assets aligns with the Russian Central Bank’s framework, released in December 2025. The central bank has finally legalized cryptocurrency trading through regulated platforms, such as exchanges, brokers, and depositories.
Russia's new crypto legislation is ready to be considered at the spring parliamentary session. If approved, the law could be implemented as early as July 1, 2026.
Simply put, the new legislation divides investors into two tiers: retail investors (unqualified) and professional investors (qualified). Retail investors can access a limited selection of crypto assets through exchanges, brokers, and depositories recognized by the Russian government.
Before conducting transactions, retail investors must pass a risk awareness assessment. In addition, they may only purchase certain crypto assets approved by the authorities, with a value limit of 300,000 rubles or $3,800 per year.
This aims to reduce the risk of retail investors being exposed to extreme volatility and ultimately suffering losses.
The second tier, the professional investors, already hold large amounts of assets, are experienced, or have passed advanced assessments. They are generally institutions or individuals with high net worth who are considered capable of trading crypto more freely.
Professional investors are allowed to buy and sell assets in larger amounts and types without value restrictions. They are assumed to have a strong understanding and capabilities of managing the risks of crypto trading.
Russia’s new regulation expands crypto access for the general public while still striving to protect citizens from the risk of loss or even fraud caused by unwise crypto investments.
The Russian government has established rules to ensure the safety of its citizens when investing in cryptocurrency. However, this does not mean that investors can skip their due diligence in learning about the risks of crypto. Learn about the risks of crypto and tips for safe crypto investment in the article How to Invest in Crypto Safely: A Complete Guide for Beginners.
