Putin signs crypto law, Russians get 300,000 rubles worth of regulation in 2026 🇷🇺

Russian President Vladimir Putin signed legislation on Tuesday creating a regulated framework for cryptocurrency markets in Russia, with core rules set to take effect on Sept. 1, 2026. The law, bill No. 1194918-8 and titled "On Digital Currencies and Digital Rights," was enacted according to official records from the State Duma, Russia's lower house of parliament.

The legislation sets requirements for crypto market participants, including exchanges, brokers, custodians and other crypto service providers. Crypto exchange operators must meet regulatory standards and join a financial market self-regulatory organization under the new framework. The Bank of Russia will oversee the regulated crypto market, issue related rules and determine which crypto assets licensed intermediaries can offer to clients.

Retail investors will be limited to buying approved crypto assets through intermediaries, with an annual cap of 300,000 rubles ($3,700) per intermediary. Qualified investors will be permitted to purchase any cryptocurrency without such restrictions. The law maintains a ban on using crypto assets to pay for goods and services inside Russia.

The State Duma approved the legislation after final readings in late July. While the core provisions take effect on Sept. 1, 2026, additional measures, including rules for non-resident digital depositories, will take effect on July 1, 2027.