Russia Drafts New Law to Let Banks Run Crypto Exchanges

Russia is preparing a new regulatory framework that would allow banks and brokerage firms to operate cryptocurrency exchanges under simplified licensing rules while keeping strict limits on domestic crypto payments.

Key Takeaways

• Russia plans to allow banks and brokers to run crypto exchanges using their existing financial licenses.
• Banks will initially face a crypto exposure cap of one percent of their capital as regulators monitor risks.
• Non qualified investors may be limited to buying up to 300000 rubles in crypto per year.
• The broader crypto regulatory framework could take effect on July 1, 2026.

What Happened?

Russia’s central bank is considering a proposal that would allow banks and brokerage firms to operate cryptocurrency exchanges through a simplified authorization process. Instead of applying for a new license, financial institutions could enter the crypto market by notifying regulators and relying on their existing financial permits.

The proposal is part of a broader digital asset regulation bill expected to be submitted to lawmakers in March, with the full framework potentially launching in mid 2026.

Russia Moves Toward Bank Led Crypto Trading

Russia’s central bank is exploring a model that would place traditional banks at the center of the country’s cryptocurrency trading market. Governor Elvira Nabiullina said financial institutions could act as intermediaries for digital asset trading while using the compliance systems they already maintain.

According to reports from Interfax, the central bank is proposing a notification based authorization process that allows banks and brokerage firms to launch crypto trading services without applying for a completely new license.

Nabiullina said:

The regulator believes banks are well positioned to supervise crypto activity because they already operate systems designed for anti-money laundering and counter terrorism financing compliance. By integrating digital asset services into this infrastructure, authorities aim to expand market access while maintaining oversight through the financial system.

Risk Limits and Gradual Market Entry

To reduce financial risks during the early stages, the central bank plans to introduce strict limits on bank exposure to cryptocurrency markets.

Under the proposal, banks would initially be allowed to allocate no more than one percent of their capital to crypto related activities.

Nabiullina emphasized that regulators want to observe how the market functions under controlled conditions before expanding the framework.

Nabiullina said:

The phased approach would allow regulators to review market performance and determine whether participation limits should be adjusted in the future.

New Rules for Crypto Trading and Investor Access

The draft legislation developed by the Central Bank of Russia and the Ministry of Finance would formally classify cryptocurrencies and stablecoins as currency assets that can be bought and sold through regulated intermediaries.

However, authorities plan to maintain a long standing policy that bans cryptocurrencies from being used for domestic payments. Under the proposed framework, digital assets would function strictly as investment instruments rather than alternatives to the Russian ruble.

The bill also introduces a tiered system for investor participation.

Qualified investors would be able to purchase unlimited amounts of crypto assets, while non qualified investors would face stricter limits. Individuals who do not meet the qualification criteria may only purchase up to 300000 rubles in digital assets each year through a single intermediary.

Russia recently updated the definition of a qualified investor. Individuals may now qualify based on factors such as holding a master’s degree in finance, earning high annual income, or meeting property ownership thresholds set by regulators.

These property requirements are expected to increase in 2026 as the government tightens eligibility standards.

Timeline for Russia’s Crypto Regulation

Deputy Finance Minister Ivan Chebeskov has indicated that the draft legislation could be submitted to the State Duma as early as March. Lawmakers may review the bill during the spring legislative session.

If approved, the new regulatory framework is expected to take effect on July 1, 2026.

Some industry observers believe the system could shift a large portion of Russia’s crypto trading activity from independent platforms toward major banks. Others warn that some traders may still prefer to use international exchanges.

At the same time, Russia’s financial institutions appear increasingly interested in entering the digital asset market. Reports suggest that Sberbank, the country’s largest bank, is exploring services such as crypto backed lending.

CoinLaw’s Takeaway

In my view, Russia is trying to control the crypto market without completely shutting it down. Instead of banning digital assets, regulators want to move trading inside the traditional banking system where compliance and monitoring already exist.

In my experience watching global crypto regulation, this kind of approach is becoming more common. Governments often allow crypto trading but keep it under strict supervision. Russia’s plan to let banks run exchanges while banning crypto payments shows that authorities see digital assets mainly as investment products rather than alternative money.

If the framework launches in 2026, banks could become the dominant gateway for crypto trading in Russia.

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