Russia Allows Bitcoin, Ethereum, USDT on Domestic Exchanges
Russia's Central Bank has proposed allowing public trading of Bitcoin, Ethereum, and Tether USDT on domestic exchanges, with a 300,000 ruble annual limit for non-qualified investors and no limits for qualified ones. The move is part of a broader regulatory framework established by a new law that came into effect in September 2026.
Consensus
- The Central Bank of Russia has proposed including Bitcoin, Ethereum, and Tether USDT in the list of cryptocurrencies available for public trading on Russian exchanges.
- The proposal is open for public comments until August 24.
- Non-qualified investors will be limited to purchasing cryptocurrencies worth up to 300,000 rubles per year through each intermediary.
- Qualified investors will have unrestricted access to all cryptocurrencies traded on exchange and over-the-counter markets.
- All investors must pass a test and acknowledge the risks of investing in crypto assets before trading.
- The legal framework for digital currencies was established by Federal Law No. 282-FZ, signed by President Vladimir Putin on August 4.
- The law comes into effect on September 1, 2026, with some provisions taking effect earlier.
- Cryptocurrencies are recognized as property and are protected under civil law, but they are not allowed as a means of payment within Russia.
Points of divergence
- The Central Bank is building a system where it is clear who, from whom, and for what purpose is buying USDT, emphasizing transparency and tracking. — fontanka
- Anatoly Radchenko linked the investment limits to sanctions risks, and Petr Fradkov warned that Tether Limited could freeze USDT funds at the request of the U.S. — tg_moscowtimes_ru
- The Central Bank considers market capitalization, average daily trading volume, and a minimum five-year history of price formation on foreign exchanges when selecting cryptocurrencies for inclusion. — riamo
- The law was adopted by the State Duma in July and defines cryptocurrencies as investment assets but not as payment instruments. — novaya_eu
Coverage (17 sources)
- Bitcoin is now legal, but you will be remembered: how Russia is legalizing cryptocurrency and why your USDT matters to banks — Фонтанка
- Central Bank will allow Russians to buy Bitcoin — The Moscow Times
- Bank of Russia included in list of cryptocurrencies available for public trading on exchanges, Bitcoin, Ethereum and Tether USD... — Сибирь.Реалии
- Bank of Russia included in list of cryptocurrencies available for public trading on exchanges, Bitcoin, Ethereum and Tether USD... — Север.Реалии
- Bank of Russia included in list of cryptocurrencies available for public trading on exchanges, Bitcoin, Ethereum and Tether USD... — Радио Свобода
- Central Bank of Russia allowed trading of Bitcoin, Ethereum and USDT on Russian exchanges — Новая газета Европа
- Central Bank named three cryptocurrencies for Russians: what will happen with Bitcoin — РИАМО
- Central Bank proposed three cryptocurrencies for exchange trading in Russia — The Bell
- Central Bank included Bitcoin, Ethereum and Tether USDT in the list of cryptocurrencies available for public trading on Russian exchanges — Meduza
- Bank of Russia included in list of cryptocurrencies available for public trading on exchanges, Bitcoin, Ethereum, Tether USDT,... — ТАСС (Telegram)
- Central Bank included Bitcoin, Ethereum and Tether USDT in the list of cryptocurrencies available for public trading on Russian exchanges — Дождь
- Central Bank of Russia included Bitcoin, Ethereum and USDT in the list of cryptocurrencies available for "non-kval"s — Интерфакс
- Central Bank included Bitcoin, Ethereum and Tether USDT in the list of cryptocurrencies available for public trading on Russian... — Дождь (Telegram)
- Central Bank allowed Bitcoin and Ethereum trading on Russian exchanges — Ведомости
- Central Bank included Bitcoin, Ethereum and Tether USDT in the list of cryptocurrencies for Russian exchanges — Вечерняя Москва
- Central Bank included Bitcoin, Ethereum and Tether USDT in the list of cryptocurrencies available for public trading on Russian exchanges... — РИА Новости (Telegram)
- Central Bank allowed trading of Bitcoin and Ethereum on Russian exchanges — Москва 24