Authorities will require all investors to pass mandatory tests before buying digital assets.
Russia is preparing to open its regulated cryptocurrency market this summer, yet strict limits will shape the rollout. Financial firms plan to offer access to digital assets once lawmakers approve a new framework. However, draft rules show caps, filters, and blacklists will restrict how citizens use cryptocurrencies.
Moscow Exchange confirmed it will begin cryptocurrency trading once the new law takes effect. The platform expects lawmakers to adopt the framework by July 1. It plans to list Bitcoin and Ethereum for non-professional investors, while qualified investors will access Solana, selected stablecoins, and ETF-based derivatives.
MOEX will operate a centralized model and act as an intermediary for registered users. The exchange will provide custody and settlement services under its existing license. Earlier, it launched four futures tied to ETFs tracking Bitcoin and Ethereum after the central bank approved such products in May 2025.
The exchange also introduced its own Bitcoin and Ethereum indices. In February, the operator announced plans to add indices tracking Solana, XRP, and Tron. Forbes Russia reported the expansion plans, and MOEX confirmed the intention without disclosing dates.
The Central Bank outlined the regulatory concept in December and expanded investor access beyond highly qualified participants. Draft legislation now sets an annual purchase cap of under $4,000 for ordinary investors. Authorities will also require all investors to pass tests before buying digital assets.
Officials plan to introduce a “banking filter” for cryptocurrency transactions. RBC reported that the central bank and finance ministry proposed the mechanism this week. Regulators intend to track every crypto-related fund movement under the new regime.
Russian residents will face limits on domestic and cross-border crypto transfers. The law will continue to prohibit cryptocurrency payments within Russia. Non-residents, qualified investors, and foreign trade entities will receive broader permissions for cross-border settlements.
Traditional financial institutions, including exchanges and brokers, will process crypto transactions under current licenses. Dedicated crypto platforms will operate under separate and stricter requirements. Kommersant reported that operators cannot provide services that help residents bypass restrictions.
Regulators will prohibit platforms from facilitating purchases of anonymous coins. The Central Bank will publish a list of prohibited cryptocurrencies. Authorities will also blacklist crypto businesses that violate the rules and block client transfers to those platforms.
