The Bank of Russia will not expand cryptocurrency access for retail investors, maintaining existing limits on investments in Bitcoin, Ethereum, and USDT.
The Bank of Russia has confirmed that it will not broaden the list of cryptocurrencies available to retail investors, nor will it increase the investment limits on these assets, as stated by Vladimir Chistyukhin, the Central Bank's first deputy chairman, in a recent interview with RBC.
Currently, only three cryptocurrencies—Bitcoin, Ethereum, and USDT—are permitted for retail investments. Chistyukhin noted that while a provision was included in the legislative bill allowing the Bank to expand this list, the regulator has no immediate plans to exercise this option.
The Central Bank continues to categorize cryptocurrencies as high-risk investments due to their volatility and the risk of being blocked. Chistyukhin stressed that investments in crypto assets should not be prioritized by retail investors, highlighting the risks associated with stablecoins like USDT, which can be subject to blocking or burning, potentially jeopardizing user access to their funds.
Requests for expanding the list of cryptocurrencies are being linked to the possible issuance of local stablecoins in Russia, ensuring they are treated equally to foreign counterparts. Although one company has already launched a token for international transactions, the Central Bank is open to discussing future expansions.
The investment cap for retail investors will remain at 300,000 rubles per transaction through a single professional intermediary. Chistyukhin mentioned that this limit is above the average balances held in brokerage and trust management accounts, and these restrictions are designed to help reduce potential financial losses.
The bill "On Digital Currency and Digital Rights" outlines the criteria for allowing cryptocurrencies on Russian exchanges and sets the investment rules for both qualified and retail investors. This legislation aims to provide a framework for regulating cryptocurrency activities in Russia and identifies key market participants such as exchanges and brokers. Before purchasing digital assets, investors are required to pass a knowledge test. The bill is anticipated to be adopted by summer, with regulations taking effect on July 1, 2026.
Additionally, the Bank of Russia intends to introduce criminal penalties for operating in the cryptocurrency market without a license.
