Russia Imposes ATM Withdrawal Caps, Impacting Crypto Traders

Russia's Central Bank has enacted stringent ATM withdrawal limits effective September 1, 2025, targeting suspicious transactions with a daily cap of ₽50,000 (~$550). The measure aims to curb financial fraud, which surged to 273,100 cases totaling ₽6.3 billion in Q2 2025. Banks must now flag transactions meeting any of nine criteria—including odd timing, QR code usage, or abrupt changes in device activity—triggering a 48-hour withdrawal limit unless verified in-person.

Peer-to-peer crypto traders face immediate disruption, as the rules disproportionately affect large, rapid cash movements tied to P2P exchanges. Legal analysts predict forced adaptation in local crypto markets, with Denis Polyakov noting structural shifts ahead. The policy reflects growing institutional scrutiny of cash-based crypto liquidity.