Russia considers relaxed crypto rules allowing non-qualified investors to buy tokens

The Bank of Russia has proposed a new regulatory framework that distinguishes between qualified and non-qualified investors for cryptocurrency trading. Crypto and stablecoins are classified as foreign currency assets, permitted for buying and selling but not for domestic payments. Non-qualified investors must pass a risk awareness test and are limited to trading 300,000 rubles ($3,846) annually per intermediary, focusing only on the most liquid tokens. Qualified investors must also pass the test but face no investment limit, though they are restricted from trading privacy coins with obfuscated transfer details. The proposal also permits Russian citizens to buy crypto on overseas exchanges using foreign accounts or transfer existing assets abroad via Russian intermediaries, provided these activities are reported to tax authorities. The central bank aims to finalize legislative changes by July 1, 2026, and will begin penalizing unlicensed crypto intermediaries starting July 2027. This proposal builds upon earlier plans to open crypto trading to select local investors and coincides with Russia's phased nationwide rollout of its digital ruble (CBDC) starting September 1, 2026.

(Source：The Block)