Russia Unveils Cryptocurrency Regulation Framework

The Russian government has unveiled a regulatory framework for the cryptocurrency market, effective from July 1, 2026. The new rules aim to bring cryptocurrency transactions under control, rather than promoting market liberalization.

One of the key aspects of the regulation is that payments within Russia using cryptocurrency are prohibited. Instead, all operations must be conducted through licensed platforms overseen by the Central Bank of the Russian Federation.

The regulations also introduce strict Anti-Money Laundering (AML) and financial monitoring requirements for exchange offices, which will essentially become branches of the Federal Tax Service. This means that users can expect to face stricter scrutiny, with potential blockages on 'suspicious' activities.