While citizens are still barred from using Bitcoin for everyday purchases, the Kremlin is now permitting businesses to use digital currencies to circumvent sanctions and trade barriers.
By Olivier Acuna|Edited by Jamie Crawley Jul 21, 2026, 3:19 p.m. 2 min readMake preferred on ShareShare this articleCopy linkX (Twitter)LinkedInFacebookEmailMake preferred on Russia has introduced new cryptocurrency regulations, effective September 1. (Alexander Smagin/Unsplash)SummaryShow- The State Duma of Russia has sanctioned the first comprehensive law governing cryptocurrencies, establishing a legal basis for exchanges, custodians, and other digital asset providers starting September 1.
- This law limits crypto trading to entities on a designated registry, enforces an annual purchase limit for retail investors of approximately $3,800 per licensed intermediary, and provides legal protection for digital currency holders.
- Despite maintaining a prohibition on using cryptocurrencies for domestic purchases, the law regulates mining and permits restricted usage of digital currencies for international trade and specific transactions, in response to increased EU sanctions against Russia's crypto operations.
The legislation passed by Russia’s State Duma establishes the nation’s first thorough framework for cryptocurrency regulation, with most provisions set to be implemented on September 1.
This new law creates a legal structure for cryptocurrency exchanges, custodians, and other digital asset service providers, while outlining the conditions under which crypto can be purchased, as reported by Russia’s state-operated news agency TASS on Tuesday.
Only entities listed in a specific registry will be authorized to operate as cryptocurrency exchanges; however, companies may continue functioning without registration until July 1, 2027.
Banks will be mandated to block transactions if they suspect that an unauthorized entity is running a cryptocurrency exchange.
The new regulations also ensure judicial protection for holders of digital currencies, irrespective of whether these assets were previously declared.
Retail investors can acquire the most liquid cryptocurrencies via licensed intermediaries, subject to an annual ceiling of around $3,800 per intermediary. In contrast, qualified investors will face no restrictions on their crypto purchases.
In December, Russia’s central bank outlined a proposed framework aimed at legalizing and regulating cryptocurrency trading for both private individuals and institutions. This new law comes in the wake of the European Union’s most extensive sanctions package against Russia, issued in April, which specifically targets cryptocurrency activities. This package includes an outright ban on providers and platforms based in Russia.
“Russia is becoming increasingly reliant on cryptocurrencies for international transactions,” the EU noted.
The digital assets law in Russia regulates cryptocurrency mining, the issuance and circulation of cryptocurrencies, and the services rendered by brokers, asset managers, trading venues, and clearinghouses.
However, the law does not lift the existing ban on cryptocurrency use for domestic payments for goods and services. It also prohibits banks and others from advertising or promoting crypto payments.
Nevertheless, it allows certain exceptions, such as permitting digital currencies for settlements under foreign trade contracts involving Russian residents and non-residents, transactions related to mined cryptocurrencies, payments mandated by digital asset platforms, and settlements involving securities or other digital assets.
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TRON Network - Q2 2026
TRON Network - Q2 2026
In Q2; TRON's stablecoin dominance rose to 28.7%, USDT supply on TRON hit $89B ATH, $89M in protocol fees (2nd to Hyperliquid), TRX +3%, and deepening institutional & agentic reach.
By CoinDesk Research3 hours agoCommissioned byTronIn Q2; TRON's stablecoin dominance rose to 28.7%, USDT supply on TRON hit $89B ATH, $89M in protocol fees (2nd to Hyperliquid), TRX +3%, and deepening institutional & agentic reach.
Why it matters:
In Q2; TRON's stablecoin dominance rose to 28.7%, USDT supply on TRON hit $89B ATH, $89M in protocol fees (2nd to Hyperliquid), TRX +3%, and deepening institutional & agentic reach.
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