As of September 1, 2025, the Central Bank of Russia (CBR) put in place new rules that require banks to keep an eye on and limit any suspicious ATM cash transfers. Although temporary, it remains a strong measure against fraud. This law sets a daily limit of ₽50,000 (about $550) on trades that the system flags, affecting directly inner country traders
The new rules are a direct response to a surge in financial scams, which amounted to 273,100 reported incidents totaling ₽6.3 billion in the second quarter of 2025. According to the CBR’s directive, banks must now monitor transactions against nine specific criteria.
If an activity meets at least one criterion, the bank is required to notify the customer and enforce a ₽50,000 withdrawal limit for 48 hours. Customers needing to withdraw larger sums must visit a physical bank branch for verification.
Implications for Crypto Traders
A transaction is flagged when it happens at odd times or places, when QR codes or virtual cards are used, or when there are big changes in phone activity right before a transaction. Also under scrutiny are cash withdrawals made within 24 hours of taking out a loan, increasing credit limits, or closing a large deposit. These measures are expected to directly affect peer-to-peer (P2P) crypto traders who frequently rely on large, rapid cash transactions.
Legal experts note that this will force changes in the local crypto market. Denis Polyakov, head of digital economy practice at GMT Legal, stated that crypto exchanges will need to adjust their business models, as large cash withdrawals are now effectively limited to in-person bank visits, which could slow transaction speeds.
However, some see this as just one part of a broader regulatory clampdown. Ignat Likhunov, founder of the Cartesius legal agency, suggested that recent amendments to Russia’s Criminal Code that outlaw the use of another person’s bank card pose a more direct threat to crypto businesses. Likhunov also warned that “additional restrictions—or even a full ban—could be introduced in the coming months.”
ATM and the government together to fight fraud.The new ATM limits align with the Russian government’s increasingly cautious stance on cryptocurrencies. TASS reported that in July, CBR Governor Elvira Nabiullina said again that the central bank has no plans to invest in digital assets because they are volatile and risky and can’t be used for domestic payments.
This new rule makes things even more difficult for crypto users and P2P platforms in Russia. It shows that cash-out ramps and the wider digital asset environment are becoming more tightly controlled.
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