The Bank of Russia has added cryptocurrencies to its official list of financial market risks. According to the regulator, Russians are increasingly using digital assets as alternatives to national currencies. The central bank highlights several threats: the chance of losing your money, crypto being used for illegal activities, and the underground market growing due to inconsistent rules across countries.

What Changes in July 2027?

The central bank has included crypto market development in its main financial market roadmap for 2027–2029. Starting July 2027, all crypto transactions in Russia will have to go through regulated financial institutions. Expect to see licensed crypto exchanges and digital custodians, and only registered brokers, asset managers, and trading platforms will be allowed to offer crypto services.

Requirements for Retail Investors

If you’re a retail (non-qualified) investor, you’ll face mandatory testing, an annual investment cap per intermediary, and access only to the most liquid digital assets. The central bank will set the exact criteria and asset lists as the new model rolls out.

Liability and Trading Rules

By 2027, Russia plans to introduce criminal liability for illegal crypto business operations and administrative penalties for breaking digital asset trading rules. The goal is to clamp down on the shadow market and create a level playing field for everyone in the regulated sector.