The Russian crypto industry could fully operate within the legal framework by the end of 2026. According to Vladimir Chistyukhin, First Deputy Chairman of the Bank of Russia, if the necessary acts are registered in time, the first companies will be able to enter registries, obtain licenses, and set up internal rules this year.
The next stage is a sharp expansion of the audience. Deputy Minister of Finance Ivan Chebeskov suggested that in 2027, approximately 10 million more Russians will start using cryptocurrencies.
It is difficult to accurately estimate the current number of market participants: some users operate through Russian infrastructure, others through foreign services, and there was no full regulation before. The Ministry of Finance expects that after the launch of the legal system, a significant part of operations will move within the country.
The legal framework for the new market has been in effect since September 1. Unqualified investors are allowed to buy Bitcoin, Ethereum, and USDT within 300 thousand rubles per year from one intermediary. Qualified investors will be able to work with a wider range of digital assets without such a limit, but all participants will have to pass testing and familiarize themselves with the risks before transactions.
If the launch goes according to plan, the end of 2026 will be the entry point for licensed crypto infrastructure, and 2027 will be the first year when the market can transition from a limited circle of users to a more mass audience.