Russia Plans Crypto Exchange for Wealthy Investors in Trial Program

Russia’s Finance Ministry and Central Bank are advancing a trial program to establish a cryptocurrency exchange targeting qualified investors. The initiative, operating under an experimental legal framework, aims to legitimize digital asset transactions and integrate them into the formal financial system.

Finance Minister Anton Siluanov emphasized the program’s goal of bringing crypto operations "out of the shadows" while maintaining regulatory oversight. The exchange will function within strict boundaries defined by Russia’s experimental legal regime, which was proposed by the Central Bank in March to accommodate cryptocurrency transactions.

The move signals growing institutional recognition of digital assets, though participation will initially be limited to highly qualified investors. This cautious approach reflects Russia’s balancing act between embracing crypto innovation and maintaining financial control.