Russia Opens Crypto Door Wider as Central Bank Eases Investment Rules

Russia’s Central Bank has confirmed plans to relax cryptocurrency regulations, opening access beyond highly qualified investors. First Deputy Chairman Vladimir Chistyukhin stated authorities now consider it “quite possible” to ease restrictions.

JUST IN: 🇷🇺 Bank of Russia confirms it’s discussing easing cryptocurrency regulations – Cryptopolitan. pic.twitter.com/uneKDSwOen

— Whale Insider (@WhaleInsider) December 2, 2025

The Ministry of Finance first indicated this shift in November. Deputy Finance Minister Ivan Chebeskov told local media that financial authorities would abandon the exclusive regulatory definition limiting crypto access.

Currently, only “highly qualified” investors can legally engage with decentralized digital currencies like Bitcoin. These individuals must maintain at least 100 million rubles in deposits and securities, plus annual income exceeding 50 million rubles.

Chistyukhin told reporters on Monday that crypto asset circulation rules should expand beyond this narrow category. He cited restrictions facing Russian entities using normal currencies for international payments.

Sanctions Drive Russia Policy Reversal

Western sanctions over the Ukraine invasion have severely limited Russian access to traditional financial channels. This economic pressure prompted Moscow to reconsider its previously strong opposition to cryptocurrency circulation.

In March, the CBR proposed an “experimental legal regime” for crypto operations. Under this framework, Russian companies gained permission to use digital coins in cross-border settlements.

The bank authorized derivative instruments based on cryptocurrencies in May through a special circular for financial institutions. These products remain restricted to highly qualified investors.

The CBR recently disclosed that household investments in Russian crypto derivatives total just over $47 million. The bank noted these amounts pose no risk to the country’s financial system.

In October, the regulator permitted commercial banks to operate with digital assets. It simultaneously urged lawmakers to adopt comprehensive legislation regulating crypto investments outside the experimental regime.

Mutual Funds Set for 2026 Access

The Central Bank of Russia announced in November its intention to allow mutual funds to invest in crypto derivatives. Olga Shishlyannikova, director of the Investment Finance Intermediation Department, confirmed authorization will come in 2026.

🇷🇺 Regulation Watch: Russia

• Bank of Russia will allow mutual funds to invest in crypto-linked derivatives

• Crypto exposure capped at 10% of a fund’s portfolio

• Draft rules expand what retail funds can hold

• CBR is seeking public feedback until Dec 9

• Part of a… pic.twitter.com/KqULBq5xeF

— Cryptopolitan (@CPOfficialtx) November 27, 2025

Speaking at a NAUFOR forum in Yekaterinburg, she told RBC Investments that amendments to regulations are required. The bank plans to introduce these changes in the first quarter of next year.

A regulatory act currently bans capital management firms from purchasing crypto-linked instruments. The CBR intends to remove this provision entirely.

Shishlyannikova explained the bank cannot lift this restriction by circular letter alone. Unlike similar bans for other market participants, this requires formal regulatory amendment.

Her deputy, Valery Krasinsky, first revealed the plan at a September capital markets forum. He stated the regulator intends to “level the playing field” for funds.

Chistyukhin emphasized crypto assets may become a “normal instrument,” noting they are already employed as such. He indicated the final position depends on ongoing discussions with the Ministry of Finance.

It seems to me we’ll be able to advance and publicly express our position by the end of the year

Chistyukhin concluded.