Russia may ease the ban on cryptocurrency payments. Amendments have been prepared for the second reading of the bill, which will allow its use in certain cases, Interfax writes, citing a source.

The main idea is to legalize what the market cannot function without. They want to allow cryptocurrency to be used to pay for other digital assets, fees for blockchain transfers, and securities transactions. However, securities cannot be sold for coins through a public offer – this refers to closed scenarios.

Access to exchange trading will also be expanded, but not equally for everyone. The Central Bank will be able to temporarily open individual coins for unqualified investors for up to six months. Qualified investors, through a trading organizer, will gain almost free access to cryptocurrencies outside the regulator's list.

Complete freedom will still not be granted. Exchangers will have to be included in the Central Bank's register and have capital of at least 15 million rubles, and cryptocurrency is expected to be stored through digital depositories under the supervision of the regulator.

The main part of the law is expected to come into force on September 1, 2026. Some rules for licensed intermediaries will be postponed until 2027 – the market will have time to adapt, but the grey area will gradually begin to close.