Russia Grants Limited Crypto Access to Select Banks Under Tight Controls

Russia has taken a measured step toward cryptocurrency integration by authorizing a handful of commercial banks to engage in digital asset transactions. The Bank of Russia imposed strict capital limits and reserve requirements, ensuring crypto remains a peripheral banking activity rather than a core asset class.

The regulatory framework mandates full compliance with anti-money laundering (AML) and counter-terrorism financing (CTF) protocols. This development follows Russia's 2025 legal regime permitting crypto settlements for wealthy individuals and corporations, signaling a gradual but controlled embrace of digital assets.

Officials emphasize the MOVE results from extensive consultations with financial institutions. The central bank's approach reflects a deliberate strategy to mitigate systemic risks while acknowledging cryptocurrency's growing role in global finance. A comprehensive crypto law expected by 2026 will establish exchange licensing requirements and clarify legal definitions.