The State Duma adopted the law "On Digital Currency and Digital Rights" in the second and third readings. 340 deputies voted for the document, and five abstained. The main provisions are expected to come into force on September 1, 2026.
Transactions will be conducted through regulated exchanges, and digital depositories will handle asset storage and accounting. The market will also see brokers, management companies, and cryptocurrency exchangers, which will need to register and meet capital and information protection requirements.
For most Russians, digital coins will remain solely an investment tool – it will still be impossible to use them to pay for goods and services within the country. An exception is provided for foreign economic activity, and exchangers will be able to use them in operations with securities, digital rights, and other digital currencies.
Only large and liquid assets with a long history will be allowed to trade on Russian platforms. According to Vladimir Chistyukhin, First Deputy Chairman of the Bank of Russia, Bitcoin, Ethereum, and USDT meet these requirements. Investors will have to pass testing, and for unqualified participants, the Central Bank will set a maximum portfolio size. Previously, a limit of 300,000 rubles through one professional participant was discussed.
Assets can only be stored and transactions conducted within Russia through custodial wallets. The transition period will last until July 1, 2027: during this time, participants will need to obtain licenses, enter registries, and restructure internal processes. For the full launch of the new market, the Bank of Russia will need to adopt about 34 regulatory acts.