The Russian Central Bank has released a new set of draft regulations aiming to lay the groundwork for organized cryptocurrency trading across the country. These measures mark the beginning of the first official framework that will govern how digital assets are handled in Russia.
Last month, the State Duma gave initial approval to a law designed to regulate Bitcoin and various altcoins within Russia's financial system. Following that, the Central Bank’s draft rules further define how cryptocurrencies will be bought, sold, and stored once the legislation takes effect, expected this September.
Key clarifications in the draft
The proposed framework requires crypto custodians to maintain a minimum equity capital ranging from 50 million to 250 million rubles, roughly translating to over $3 million. Strict custody and record-keeping standards will also apply. Crypto exchanges will have the autonomy to establish their own trading procedures and will also calculate weighted average prices for assets traded on their platforms. The Central Bank plans to maintain a register of digital deposit institutions to oversee compliance and security.
These regulatory moves come amid growing interest in systemic crypto trading in Russia, creating a clearer path for institutional investors and platform operators. The clarity could encourage more established entities to enter the market, which has seen mixed activity and regulatory uncertainty in recent years.
The new draft rules complement the broader legislative efforts and reflect Russia’s intent to integrate cryptocurrencies into its financial ecosystem in a controlled yet enabling manner.
This material is for informational purposes and is not financial advice.
