Russia Finalizes Crypto Bill to Expand Access for Retail Traders in 2026

TLDR

• Russia to let non-qualified traders buy up to 300,000 rubles worth of crypto

• Law removes crypto from special financial regulation for broader use

• Retail access expected after risk awareness tests under new draft bill

• Legislation may support cross-border crypto settlements and usage

Russia is moving forward with plans to allow non-qualified investors to participate in cryptocurrency trading. A new draft bill is ready and will be reviewed in the spring parliamentary session, according to Anatoly Aksakov, head of the State Duma’s Financial Markets Committee.

Aksakov said the legislation will remove cryptocurrencies from the category of special financial regulation. He stated in an interview with Russia-24 that digital assets will become more common in the daily lives of citizens. However, non-qualified investors will be subject to strict limits.

Under the proposal, these traders will be able to invest up to 300,000 rubles (about $3,800) in cryptocurrencies. The restriction aims to limit retail risk while expanding access to digital assets. Professional market participants will not face such limits.

Legislation May Support Cross-Border Crypto Usage

In addition to opening domestic crypto markets, the draft bill is expected to support international transactions using digital assets. Aksakov noted the framework may enable cross-border settlements and allow Russian-issued tokens to be used in foreign markets.

This comes amid broader efforts to promote regulated digital asset infrastructure in Russia. The legislation also signals coordination between lawmakers, financial authorities, and other market participants.

Earlier reports in December indicated that the Bank of Russia was developing a risk-based model to allow retail access to crypto. This would involve a mandatory test to assess risk awareness before granting access to digital assets.

Retail Access Comes With Safeguards Against Systemic Risk

According to the Finance Ministry, the introduction of limits on retail activity is part of a strategy to manage potential financial risks. Minister Anton Siluanov confirmed that the government and central bank were working on a joint approach that balances market development with investor protection.

The Bank of Russia has maintained its stance against anonymous digital assets. These tokens, including privacy coins, will remain off-limits under the expected framework, ensuring regulatory control over transaction transparency.

Crypto pensions have also entered public discussion, with the Social Fund of Russia receiving many inquiries from citizens asking if benefits can be paid in digital assets. For now, all pensions continue to be distributed in rubles, according to officials.

Russia’s Broader Digital Asset Push Continues

Russia is also progressing with its national digital currency project. The digital ruble is being implemented across state financial systems, with a full rollout expected by September 2026.

The planned expansion of crypto access aligns with broader changes in digital financial services. Lawmakers are expected to focus on additional digital asset regulations during the spring session, covering both cryptocurrencies and digital financial assets (DFA).

Aksakov emphasized that cryptocurrencies will no longer be treated as isolated or exceptional financial products. The new law would integrate digital assets into standard financial systems, signaling a shift in how they are viewed and managed in Russia’s financial framework.

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