Russian Lawmakers Push for Legal Crypto Exchanges Amid Central Bank Resistance

State Duma deputies from the 'New People' party have challenged the Central Bank of Russia's anti-crypto stance, proposing legislation to establish licensed cryptocurrency exchanges. The move aims to reduce illegal digital asset flows while increasing state oversight.

Anton Tkachev, Yaroslav Samylin, and Georgy Arapov submitted a formal request to CBR head Elvira Nabiullina, advocating for physical exchange locations with strict capital requirements. The lawmakers argue this WOULD bolster financial transparency and citizen trust in institutions.

The proposal marks a significant escalation in Russia's crypto policy debate, potentially creating new on-ramps for BTC and ETH adoption despite regulatory resistance. No specific exchanges or coins were referenced in the draft legislation.