Russia adopts crypto law limiting retail purchases to ₽300,000
The State Duma has adopted a law regulating cryptocurrency circulation in Russia, taking effect on September 1, 2026. The legislation establishes investment tiers for retail participants while opening cross-border crypto payments for exporters and importers.
Retail caps and cross-border freedom
Under the new law taking effect on September 1, 2026, non-qualified investors in Russia face a ₽300,000 annual limit on liquid cryptocurrency purchases via a single intermediary after passing a mandatory test.
Qualified investors must also pass the test before trading, but they are permitted to purchase and sell any cryptocurrencies without amount restrictions.
Meanwhile, exporters and importers gain unlimited use of cryptocurrencies for cross-border payments, which can be conducted via regulated intermediaries or directly using any types of wallets.
However, the legislation explicitly maintains the strict prohibition on using cryptocurrencies for domestic payments within Russia.
Building a regulated infrastructure
The legislation establishes a formal regulated infrastructure comprising crypto exchanges for buying and selling digital assets, and digital repositories for recording rights.
Russian residents engaging in foreign transactions must use foreign bank accounts or regulated intermediaries, and they are required to report foreign holdings to tax authorities.
Market participants have until July 1, 2027, to obtain licenses and bring their operations into compliance.
Additionally, the law expands digital rights regulation by allowing issuance in public networks.
Divided digital architecture
Russia attempts a difficult balancing act between strict domestic containment and external commercial pragmatism.
While retail investors face tight collars, international trade gets a wide-open digital runway.
Whether this regulatory wall can separate domestic friction from global flows remains doubtful.
Source: Russia introduces cryptocurrency regulation
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