Russia adopts a new crypto law requiring exchanges to register and hold at least 15 million roubles in capital

Russia's state news agency TASS reported on Wednesday, 5 August 2026 (14 Mordad 1405), that a new law establishes a clear framework for the issuance, circulation, custody and registration of cryptocurrencies and digital financial assets, as well as crypto mining, and brings exchanges, digital depositories, brokerages, clearing organisations and digital asset platform operators under regulation.

Under the law, only organisations listed in a dedicated state register may operate as crypto exchanges, while existing operators may continue without registration until 1 July 2027. Registered exchanges must hold at least 15 million roubles, about $187,000, in capital and join a financial self regulatory organisation. Monthly transactions above 3.5 million roubles fall within the law's scope.

The ban on using cryptocurrencies as a means of payment for goods and services in Russia is retained, though exceptions apply to settlement under foreign trade contracts and to transactions involving mined crypto. Retail investors may buy highly liquid cryptocurrencies through licensed intermediaries up to 300,000 roubles a year per intermediary. According to Anadolu Agency, investors must pass a mandatory crypto knowledge test.