Russia approves major crypto legislation, allowing regulated cross-border trade while maintaining restrictions on domestic cryptocurrency payments nationwide.
Russia has approved a major cryptocurrency bill after its parliament passed the measure in final readings. The bill establishes regulations for digital assets and cryptocurrency companies. Furthermore, it provides a way for regulated cross-border crypto trading. But the law has yet to be signed by President Vladimir Putin.
Russia Opens Door to Regulated Cross-Border Crypto Trade
The bill passed its second and third readings in the lower house of Russia’s parliament. According to a Kommersant report, the law regulates the circulation of cryptocurrencies throughout the country. Moreover, it also provides legal safeguards for digital assets. As a result, Russia is progressing towards a regulated crypto market.
THIS IS MASSIVE FOR CRYPTO
Russia has passed the crypto bill allowing cross-border trade which takes effect September 1 if President Putin signs it. pic.twitter.com/Lfm3ipMnsy
— Ash Crypto (@AshCrypto) July 21, 2026
The law is officially known as “On Digital Currency and Digital Rights.” Under Russian law, it considers digital currencies to be property. As a result, the owners of cryptocurrencies will be protected by the judiciary. Furthermore, the courts can now more clearly resolve disputes with digital assets.
The bill allows companies to engage in international trade using cryptocurrencies. Domestic crypto payments will still be banned in Russia, however. Only approved foreign trade participants and cryptocurrency exchanges will be exempt. Therefore, for the majority of citizens, crypto will primarily be an investment vehicle.
Russia has designated the Bank of Russia as the primary market regulator. The central bank will keep registers of crypto exchanges and digital depositories. Furthermore, it will be responsible for ensuring adherence to the new framework’s requirements. The move is designed to make the digital asset industry more transparent.
New Rules Set Limits for Russian Crypto Investors
Citizens of Russia will be able to buy cryptocurrencies via licensed brokers and asset managers. But retail investors have to first pass the test. They are then able to use approved digital assets via regulated intermediaries.
There will be annual caps on crypto purchases for unqualified investors. State Duma Committee Chairman Anatoly Aksakov says the cap is 300,000 rubles a year for each intermediary. Moreover, these restrictions are aimed at the high volatility of the market.
The law also contains regulations on transferring money to non-custodial wallets. If the amount of the transfer is more than 100,000 rubles, the cooling-off period will be 48 hours. As a result, users will have to wait before they can make big transactions. This could help to prevent fraud and unauthorized transfers, authorities said.
Further, cryptocurrency exchanges are required to only credit the assets purchased to the buyer’s account. Effective September 1, 2027, exchanges will have to verify recipient accounts before processing transfers.
Foreign trade participants will have access to all types of cryptocurrencies and stablecoins. Thus, companies engaged in cross-border trade may have more options for payment. Furthermore, the system could allow Russia to increase alternative settlement options. This is part of a series of developments as several countries are still investigating digital assets for international trade.
If President Putin signs the law, it will go into effect on September 1, 2026. The next few weeks will be closely monitored by the crypto industry, therefore. The bill, if passed, would be one of the most important digital asset reforms in recent years in Russia.
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