Russia is advancing plans to incorporate cryptocurrency into the daily lives of its citizens, as lawmakers have finalized a draft bill that would remove digital assets from the country's special financial regulation regime. Anatoly Aksakov, chair of the State Duma Committee on Financial Markets, announced the proposal, which is scheduled for extensive debate during the spring 2026 session.
"Much attention will be paid to the development of digital financial assets, and we will dedicate significant time to cryptocurrencies during the upcoming spring session," Aksakov said. "A bill has already been drafted that will remove cryptocurrencies from special financial regulation, meaning they will become a common part of everyday life."
The draft bill, unveiled on Jan. 13, seeks to normalize crypto use in everyday contexts, including investing and matters such as the division of marital property. It builds on the Bank of Russia's framework introduced in December 2025, which legalized crypto trading through regulated venues such as licensed exchanges, brokers, and depositories.
If approved, the legislation could take effect as early as July 1, 2026, aligning with the central bank's broader timeline for full implementation by 2027. Sources estimate the bill has a 70–80% chance of passing, citing growing alignment between lawmakers, the Ministry of Finance, and the central bank's gradually evolving stance on digital assets.
The proposal introduces a two-tier investor system. Retail investors will face tight limits, including a mandatory risk-awareness test, restrictions to select approved cryptocurrencies, and an annual cap of 300,000 rubles ($3,800). They can only trade through licensed Russian intermediaries.
Qualified investors, such as institutions or high-net-worth individuals, will have broader access with no annual volume caps, though they must still pass a knowledge test and cannot trade privacy-focused tokens. Major Russian stock exchanges, including those in Moscow and St. Petersburg, have signaled readiness to launch crypto trading platforms once regulatory approval is granted.