Russia to Open Crypto Market to Non-Qualified Investors in 2026

• Russia plans regulated cryptocurrency access for non-qualified investors starting 2026.
• New framework includes investment caps, risk assessments, and legislative deadlines.

On December 30, 2025, Cryptopolitan reported that Russia’s Ministry of Finance and the Central Bank confirmed their intention to allow non-qualified investors access to cryptocurrency markets under strict conditions. This regulatory proposal signals a significant shift in Russia’s approach toward digital assets, moving to incorporate them within a structured, legal framework expected to roll out fully by July 1, 2026.

Russian Finance Minister Anton Siluanov explained that the initiative seeks to broaden participation in cryptocurrency markets while implementing safeguards to minimize risks for ordinary citizens. The regulations, developed collaboratively by the Ministry of Finance and the Central Bank, represent an effort to strike a balance between innovation and consumer protection.

The proposed framework introduces key restrictions for non-qualified investors. These include an annual investment limit of 300,000 rubles (approximately $3,800) per intermediary and access limited to the most liquid cryptocurrencies. Additionally, non-qualified investors would need to pass a risk-knowledge assessment before participating.

Under this plan, the Russian government aims to establish a comprehensive legal structure for digital assets. Cryptocurrencies would be classified as “currency assets,” though their use for domestic payments will remain prohibited. To bolster the regulatory framework, authorities also plan to introduce legislation by July 1, 2027, that includes criminal liability for illegally providing cryptocurrency services.

This regulatory push marks a departure from Russia’s historically conservative stance on cryptocurrencies. This policy shift comes amid broader geopolitical challenges and holds the potential to position Russia more competitively in the evolving global digital asset space. By enabling broader access while implementing consumer protection measures, the government seeks to expand the market while addressing financial risk.