Non-qualified investors gain access to Bitcoin, Ether and USDT
Bitcoin, Ether and USDT will become available to non-qualified investors under a Bank of Russia ordinance effective November 17, 2026. Purchases through a single intermediary will be capped at ₽300,000 per year.
Three assets behind the gate
The Bank of Russia has approved Bitcoin, Ether and USDT for non-qualified investors.
Its ordinance takes effect on November 17, 2026, when these assets may begin public trading on exchanges.
Non-qualified investors will be able to buy cryptocurrencies in exchange and over-the-counter markets through intermediaries, including brokers, trust managers and crypto exchange offices.
Purchases through any single intermediary may not exceed ₽300,000 per year.
Qualified investors will have access to all cryptoassets without restrictions.
Regardless of investor status, anyone wishing to transact must pass the relevant test and read about cryptocurrency investment risks.
Liquidity and history determine eligibility
The approved list contains only the most liquid assets that meet criteria established by law.
In selecting cryptocurrencies, the Bank of Russia considered market capitalization, average daily trading volume and pricing history on foreign exchanges.
That pricing history must span at least five years.
The central bank said this selection approach is intended to mitigate the risks of cryptoasset investment for non-qualified investors.
Access with explicit limits
The ordinance opens access while retaining eligibility checks and purchase limits.
The ₽300,000 annual cap applies per intermediary, not as a stated aggregate limit across all intermediaries.
Testing and risk information remain mandatory for qualified investors too.