Russia is getting closer to opening its crypto market to everyday investors, as lawmakers are preparing legislation that would remove digital assets from a special regulatory category and allow broader, though still limited, retail participation.
Anatoly Aksakov, chairman of the State Duma’s committee on financial markets, said a draft bill is ready for consideration during the spring parliamentary session.
According to local media outlet TASS, the proposal would effectively normalize cryptocurrencies within Russia’s financial system, signaling a shift toward treating digital assets as part of “everyday finance” rather than an extraordinary or experimental tool.
Under the expected framework, non-qualified investors – individuals who do not meet Russia’s professional or high-net-worth criteria – will be allowed to purchase the cryptocurrency up to a limit of 300,000 rubles, about $3,800.
The legislation would remove cryptos from a special financial regulation regime that has historically restricted their use.
Proponents argue that this change will help integrate digital assets more deeply into the economy, making crypto ownership and transactions increasingly “normal” for Russian citizens.
While the bill does not signal a fully liberalized market, it marks a notable evolution in Russia’s stance after years of tight controls and suspicion of financial authorities.
Use of crypto in cross border transactions
Beyond domestic trade, this bill has also been designed keeping in mind international considerations. Lawmakers hope the new framework will support the use of cryptocurrencies in cross-border settlements and enable the issuance of tokens in Russia that can be placed on foreign markets.
Such mechanisms are considered particularly relevant as the country continues to explore alternatives to traditional financial rails for international trade.
The move is in line with Russian regulators’ comprehensive, carefully calibrated approach. In recent months, policymakers have stressed the need to balance innovation with risk management, especially when it comes to retail investors.
The Bank of Russia has previously warned that unrestricted access could create systemic risks, calling it a “drastic measure” if widespread retail participation is launched without safeguards.
In December, the central bank proposed a model that would allow non-qualified investors to trade crypto only after passing risk-awareness tests, while maintaining restrictions on anonymity and privacy-focused digital assets.
Around the same time, the Finance Ministry indicated that it was working on a coordinated policy with the central bank that would allow retail access within clearly defined limits.
Authorities have repeatedly stressed that limits on transaction sizes and investment volumes are necessary to prevent excessive speculation and protect families.
The proposed 300,000 ruble limit reflects the philosophy of offering exposure without opening the door to large-scale retail exposure.
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