Russia Tightens Regulatory Grip on Cryptocurrency Trading

Russia has moved to centralize cryptocurrency trading under a new legal framework approved by the Ministry of Finance.

The framework requires all crypto transactions to be routed through licensed intermediaries, eliminating informal or peer-to-peer trading channels within the domestic market.

Retail investors face significant restrictions, including asset limitations and an annual investment cap of 300,000 rubles. Qualified investors are not subject to these limits, creating a two-tier market structure.

The framework also expands oversight with mandatory reporting and licensing for crypto service providers, including exchanges, brokers, and custodians.