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The Russian State Duma has passed a landmark bill establishing a comprehensive regulatory framework for digital assets, aimed at facilitating international trade. The legislation grants the Bank of Russia full authority to license and supervise digital asset service providers, including exchanges and brokers. Crucially, the law permits the use of cryptocurrencies for cross-border settlements—offering a vital alternative to the US-dominated SWIFT system and traditional correspondent banking—while strictly maintaining a ban on crypto as a payment method within Russia.

The bill, scheduled to take effect on July 1, 2026, sets investment limits for non-professional investors at 300,000 rubles ($3,900) to mitigate domestic risks. By classifying digital currencies as legal property, the law also enables judicial protection in cases of bankruptcy and asset disputes. Industry experts view this move as a strategic shift to stabilize Russia’s external economy amid ongoing international sanctions, providing a legal pathway for Russian firms to conduct business with foreign partners using decentralized digital assets.