Russia Moves to Restrict Foreign Crypto Exchanges as Domestic Interest Grows
Russian authorities are preparing to block access to international cryptocurrency exchanges, extending a pattern of digital restrictions that previously targeted messaging apps and social platforms. The MOVE comes as local financial institutions show increasing appetite for crypto profits, positioning themselves to capture fee revenue currently flowing overseas.
Moscow plans to implement comprehensive crypto regulations by July 2026, replacing interim measures that currently govern digital asset operations. The Bank of Russia has evolved from proposing experimental crypto frameworks in early 2025 to recently recognizing cryptocurrencies as monetary assets - a significant policy shift that could eventually grant retail investors access.