Russia’s Central Bank Proposes Framework for Publicly Trading Major Cryptocurrencies

Aug. 11, 2026 Ivan Babydov / pexels Russia’s Central Bank on Tuesday proposed allowing investors to trade Bitcoin, Ether and Tether on official Russian exchanges, establishing a regulated infrastructure for cryptocurrency trading set to take effect next month. The rules would expand on a law President Vladimir Putin signed this month, which formally legalizes cryptocurrency trading in Russia. Starting Sept. 1, both retail and professional investors will be required to pass a test before trading the three major cryptocurrencies. The Central Bank says retail investors currently account for about 98% of market participants. Cryptocurrencies will be allowed in cross-border settlements but banned as payment methods inside Russia under the new law. The Central Bank said it selected the three major cryptocurrencies based on requirements that they have a minimum five-year price history on foreign platforms, as well as high liquidity and market capitalization. Retail investors will be limited to purchases of 300,000 rubles ($3,690) a year through each intermediary. These intermediaries, which will be tightly regulated by the Central Bank, include exchanges, brokers, asset managers and digital depositories. Accredited investors will be allowed to purchase any cryptocurrency listed on both exchange and over-the-counter markets without restrictions. The Central Bank set an Aug. 24 public feedback deadline for its draft proposals before the Sept. 1 entry date of the framework. Read more about: Cryptocurrency , Central Bank Sign up for our free weekly newsletter Our weekly newsletter contains a hand-picked selection of news, features, analysis and more from The Moscow Times. You will receive it in your mailbox every Friday. Never miss the latest news from Russia. Preview Subscribers agree to the Privacy Policy We sent a confirmation to your email. Please confirm your subscription. A Message from The Moscow Times: Dear readers, We are facing unprecedented challenges. Russia's Prosecutor General's Office has designated The Moscow Times as an "undesirable" organization, criminalizing our work and putting our staff at risk of prosecution. This follows our earlier unjust labeling as a "foreign agent." These actions are direct attempts to silence independent journalism in Russia. The authorities claim our work "discredits the decisions of the Russian leadership." We see things differently: we strive to provide accurate, unbiased reporting on Russia. We, the journalists of The Moscow Times, refuse to be silenced. But to continue our work, we need your help. Your support, no matter how small, makes a world of difference. If you can, please support us monthly starting from just $2. It's quick to set up, and every contribution makes a significant impact. By supporting The Moscow Times, you're defending open, independent journalism in the face of repression. Thank you for standing with us. Once Monthly Annual Continue Not ready to support today? Remind me later. × Remind me next month Remind me Thank you! Your reminder is set. We will send you one reminder email a month from now. For details on the personal data we collect and how it is used, please see our Privacy Policy. Read more Russia’s Central Bank Delays Mass Rollout of Digital Ruble “Our intention is to proceed with the mass introduction of the digital ruble somewhat later,” Central Bank Governor Elvira Nabiullina said without... 2 Min read Russian Central Bank Seeks to Ban Crypto Mining, Investment Russia has the world’s third-largest share in the global crypto mining market behind the United States and Kazakhstan. Russia Mulls Crypto Investment Ban – Reuters Central Bank concerned about financial stability risks from Russians' large cryptocurrency portfolios. Inside Russia’s Plans For a Digital Ruble Russia's Central Bank is eyeing up a new “digital ruble” — a regulated, controlled and legal alternative to cryptocurrencies.