Russian lawmakers are considering measures to establish a national cryptocurrency exchange as the cryptocurrency industry expands and organizations around the world start to show more interest in cryptocurrencies.
According to reports, the Ministry of Finance and the Central Bank of Russia, which have a protracted history of conflict over cryptocurrency regulations in the nation, both support this initiative. In line with a recent local report, the State Duma, the lower chamber of the Russian parliament, intends to revise the existing legislation “on digital financial assets” regarding cryptocurrencies to facilitate the creation of a “national crypto exchange in Russia.” The central bank will first be presented with the legislative changes, which would establish a legal framework for a national exchange.
Sergey Altuhov, a member of the Duma’s Committee of Economic Policy, said:
“It makes no sense to say that cryptocurrencies do not exist, but the problem is that it circulates in a large stream outside of government regulation. These are billions of rubles of lost budget revenues in the form of taxes.”
Bank of Russia to oversee the market
The Bank of Russia is expected to play a central role in deciding which companies can provide cryptocurrency trading services. In March 2026, Governor Elvira Nabiullina said the central bank had proposed allowing banks and brokers to obtain crypto-exchange licenses through a notification process based on their existing financial licenses.
The approach could make it easier for established financial institutions to enter the crypto market while keeping trading under the supervision of Russia’s existing financial regulator.
It also suggests that Russia’s eventual crypto market may look more like an extension of the country’s regulated financial system than an independent exchange ecosystem operating outside traditional finance.
Also Read: Japan Urges Banks to Tighten Protections on Crypto Transactions Following Rise in Fraud Cases
From crypto restrictions to regulated trading
Russia’s approach to cryptocurrency has changed significantly over the past several years. The Bank of Russia had historically taken a cautious position toward cryptocurrencies, particularly their use as a means of payment. The government and central bank eventually moved toward allowing crypto-related activity in limited areas, especially cross-border trade.
By December 2025, the central bank had proposed a framework under which both qualified and non-qualified investors could access cryptocurrencies, although the two groups would face different restrictions.
The proposal laid the groundwork for bigger legislation adopted in 2026. Under the new framework, non-qualified investors will be able to purchase the most liquid cryptocurrencies through regulated intermediaries, subject to testing and an annual limit of 300,000 rubles per intermediary. Qualified investors will have access to a wider range of cryptocurrencies without the same purchase limit, although they will still have to pass the required test.
Enjoyed this? Bookmark DeFi Planet, explore related topics, and follow us on Twitter, LinkedIn, Facebook, Instagram, Threads, and CoinMarketCap Community for seamless access to high-quality industry insights
Take control of your crypto portfolio with DEFI PLANET PRO, DeFi Planet’s suite of analytics tools.
