Putin signs Russia’s first unified crypto law, creating rules for exchanges, custodians and miners; many provisions start Sept 1, 2026.
President Vladimir Putin has signed a new law creating Russia’s first unified regulatory framework for digital currencies and digital rights, setting formal rules for crypto exchanges, custodians, mining operations, brokers, and financial market infrastructure providers.
The legislation, titled "On Digital Currency and Digital Rights", was introduced by the Russian government in April 2026 and moved through all three parliamentary readings before being enacted with Putin’s signature. Most of the rules are due to take effect on September 1, 2026, while some provisions will be rolled out in 2027.
The law also defines who can invest in crypto and establishes a regulatory system for the issuance and circulation of digital financial assets (DFAs). Under the new framework, organizations that conduct crypto exchange activities must register with the government and hold minimum capital of 15 million rubles ($185,242). A temporary transition period will remain in place until July 1, 2027.
Russia’s new regime keeps in place a ban on using cryptocurrencies to pay for goods and services, and it also prohibits advertising such payments. At the same time, the law provides exemptions for cross-border commerce, mining-related transactions, certain system fees, and settlements involving securities and digital assets.
Banks will also face new obligations. They will be required to refuse transfers tied to unauthorized crypto exchange operators when suspicious activity is identified.
The law places limits on retail participation through intermediaries. Unqualified investors will be restricted to buying 300,000 rubles ($3,700) worth of approved cryptocurrencies annually through each intermediary. Qualified investors, meanwhile, will have unrestricted access after passing mandatory testing.
For companies already operating in the sector, the transition timetable extends beyond the initial start date of the law. Existing digital asset exchange operators must complete their transition to the new regulatory framework by March 1, 2027.
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