New CBR Crypto Rules: Who Can Buy and How Much

Russia’s Central Bank has prepared a comprehensive regulatory framework for cryptocurrency investment. The new rules establish distinct pathways for both qualified and unqualified investors to access digital assets. The Bank of Russia submitted these legislative proposals to the government for consideration.

LATEST: 🇷🇺 Russia is moving to regulate crypto.

The Bank of Russia proposes a framework allowing all investors to trade #Bitcoin and crypto, but with limits for non-qualified investors and a total ban on using it for domestic payments. 📜 pic.twitter.com/bgBOEyQ6UE

— Bitcoin.com News (@BitcoinNews) December 23, 2025

Under the proposed concept, digital currencies and stablecoins gain recognition as currency values. Russians will be able to buy and sell these assets through licensed intermediaries. However, using cryptocurrencies for domestic payments remains prohibited under the framework.

The Central Bank maintains that cryptocurrencies carry substantial risks for investors. These assets lack issuance or guarantee from any jurisdiction. They also face heightened volatility and sanctions-related concerns that investors must acknowledge.

Investors should understand they face potential total loss of their funds. The regulator emphasizes this warning as a cornerstone of the new framework.

CBR Rules for Different Investor Categories

Unqualified investors will gain access to only the most liquid cryptocurrencies. Legislation will establish specific criteria defining which assets qualify for this category. These investors must pass mandatory testing before making any purchases.

Annual investment limits cap at 300,000 rubles per intermediary for unqualified participants. This restriction aims to protect retail investors from excessive exposure to volatile assets.

Qualified investors will enjoy broader market access under the new rules. They can purchase any cryptocurrencies without volume restrictions after completing required testing. However, anonymous tokens remain off-limits for all investor categories.

Smart contracts that hide information about token transfers to addressees fall under this prohibition. The testing requirement applies universally to ensure all participants understand inherent risks.

Infrastructure and Cross-Border Provisions

Existing financial infrastructure will facilitate cryptocurrency transactions under the proposed framework. Exchanges, brokers, and trustees can operate using their current licenses. Only special depositories and dedicated crypto exchangers face additional requirements.

The framework also addresses cross-border cryptocurrency activities for Russian residents. Investors can purchase cryptocurrency abroad using funds from foreign accounts. Previously acquired crypto can transfer through Russian intermediaries to foreign destinations.

Tax reporting obligations accompany these international transactions. Residents must notify tax authorities about cross-border cryptocurrency movements. This requirement ensures regulatory oversight of capital flows involving digital assets.

The proposed changes respond to growing demand for cryptocurrency access among Russian investors. Financial authorities acknowledged the need to expand beyond currently narrow investor categories. The framework attempts to balance market access with protective measures.

Meanwhile, the new regulation extends to Russia’s digital financial assets market as well. These changes signal a measured liberalization of the country’s cryptocurrency stance. Market participants will need time to prepare compliance systems before implementation begins.