The State Duma approved a law on July 18, 2026, that officially legalizes cryptocurrency transactions in Russia. This legislation lays out a regulatory framework for trading, investing, issuing, mining, and storing digital assets.
Key provisions of the new crypto law
The law, titled "On Digital Currency and Digital Rights," passed its final readings with support from 340 deputies. It opens legal access for Russian citizens to own and use cryptocurrencies under specified conditions. Certain activities, previously unclear or unregulated, are now formally sanctioned or banned.
Cryptocurrency trading will be restricted to state-licensed and registered exchanges only. The law requires brokers and management firms to act as intermediaries between investors, these exchanges, and foreign platforms. Special digital depositories will be established to handle safe custody and accounting for digital assets.
The legislation updates existing rules related to digital financial assets (DFAs), such as tokenized securities, aligning prior separate regulations with the new framework.
The Central Bank of Russia contributed a new cryptocurrency market policy in December 2025. The almost 300-page bill was first submitted to parliament in April 2026 and experienced delays before its passage this week.
This full approach aims to regulate Russia's expanding crypto market and formalize the circulation of decentralized digital currencies.
This article is for informational purposes and does not constitute financial advice.
