Putin signs Russia's first comprehensive legal framework for cryptocurrencies

Russian President Vladimir Putin on Tuesday 4 August 2026 signed a law establishing the country's first comprehensive legal framework for cryptocurrencies and digital assets. According to Anadolu Agency, citing the state news agency Tass, the law regulates the issuance, circulation, storage and accounting of cryptocurrencies and digital financial assets, as well as mining and the activities of crypto exchanges, digital depositories, brokers and clearing organisations.

Under the law, only organisations listed in a special state register will be allowed to operate cryptocurrency exchanges, while existing operators may continue without registration until 1 July 2027. Registered exchanges must hold at least 15 million rubles (about $187,000) in capital and join a self regulatory financial organisation. Transactions totalling more than 3.5 million rubles in a month qualify as regular exchange activity.

The legislation keeps Russia's ban on using cryptocurrencies as a means of payment for goods and services, and prohibits advertising that promotes crypto payments, but it allows several exceptions. These include settlements under foreign trade contracts between residents and non residents and transactions involving cryptocurrencies obtained through mining. Retail investors may buy the most liquid cryptocurrencies through licensed intermediaries for up to 300,000 rubles a year with each intermediary, while qualified investors face no purchase limit. Most provisions take effect on 1 September.