Bank of Russia clears Bitcoin, Ether and USDT for non-qualified investors

The Bank of Russia on 6 November approved a cryptocurrency list for non-qualified investors that includes Bitcoin, Ether and USDT. The related ordinance takes effect on 17 November 2026, when those assets may be publicly traded on exchanges.

From that date, non-qualified investors may purchase cryptocurrencies through brokers, trust managers or crypto exchange offices, in both exchange and over-the-counter markets. Purchases through a single intermediary may not exceed ₽300,000 per year. Qualified investors will have access to all cryptoassets without restrictions.

Limits and testing

The Bank of Russia says every investor, regardless of status, who wishes to conduct a transaction must pass the relevant test and read information about cryptocurrency investment risks. The announcement does not give further details of the test.

The ₽300,000 limit is expressed per intermediary, rather than as a single investor-wide amount. That distinction will matter to brokers, trust managers and crypto exchange offices when designing transaction controls, customer disclosures and monitoring.

The list includes only the most liquid assets that meet criteria set by law. In making its selection, the Bank considered market capitalisation, average daily trading volume and pricing history on foreign exchanges. That history must cover at least five years. The regulator says the approach is intended to reduce the risks of cryptoasset investment for non-qualified investors.

The framework follows cryptocurrency circulation rules that the Finance Ministry said entered into force on 1 September 2026, including investor testing and the ₽300,000 annual transaction limit for non-qualified investors.

PaymentExpert reported on 6 November that Moscow Exchange plans to open crypto trading on 1 December. That reported launch would come after the ordinance's 17 November effective date, when the approved assets become eligible for public exchange trading.