Market News

Russia Tightens the Reins: New Crypto Regulations Set for 2026

The Central Bank of Russia (CBR) is preparing to implement stringent regulations for cryptocurrencies by 2026.

Vladimir Chistyukhin, the First Deputy Chairman of CBR, emphasized that the new framework will amend laws concerning digital financial assets and could restrict new purchases for most investors.

Current discussions involve collaboration among various governmental bodies, including the Ministry of Finance and Rosfinmonitoring, to shape market rules.

Transactions may be limited to existing licensed market participants, while retail investors are being moved away from an earlier experimental legal regime.

There is a push to ensure that cryptocurrencies serve as a viable payment method for international transactions, despite their inherent risk.

Qualified investors may gain limited access to the market, while previous unqualified purchasers will not face restrictions for exiting their crypto holdings.

Chistyukhin noted the importance of quickly adopting these regulations in light of international scrutiny from organizations such as the FATF.

Envisioned amendments may passage in the spring of 2026, with a regulatory enactment expected before year-end.

Transitional periods are being considered to help market participants adjust to the new legal framework.

By mid-2027, liability for illegal crypto operations is anticipated to be firmly enforced.