Key Highlights
- Russia plans to simplify crypto rules, letting ordinary citizens invest under limits while pros face no restrictions.
- Illegal crypto mining in Russia could lead to fines up to 1.5M rubles or 5 years in prison under new laws.
- US lawmakers aim to protect blockchain developers from legal trouble if they never handle users’ money.
Russia is preparing to relax its cryptocurrency regulations, aiming to make digital assets more accessible in daily life. Anatoly Aksakov, chair of the State Duma Financial Market Committee, confirmed a bill is ready that would remove cryptocurrencies from “special financial regulation.”
The draft legislation intends to allow ordinary Russians to buy, hold, and trade cryptocurrencies under simpler rules.
According to the Tass report, the initiative comes as part of a broader push to integrate digital financial assets into the national economy. Aksakov emphasized that the market will be open to non-qualified investors, though annual purchases will be capped at 300,000 rubles. “Professional financial market participants will be able to operate in this market without restrictions,” he added, highlighting that cryptocurrencies could also be used for international settlements.
Key features of the proposed Crypto Bill
The law separates regular investors from experienced ones. Regular investors have to pass a basic test and can only buy the most popular, easy-to-sell cryptocurrencies. Their annual purchases will remain limited, and they must use intermediary organizations for transactions. Conversely, qualified investors can select almost any cryptocurrency, except fully anonymous ones, after completing a risk assessment. They face no transaction limits.
The Bank of Russia recently suggested officially bringing cryptocurrencies and stablecoins into the country’s financial system. Under the plan, digital assets would be treated like money, but people still couldn’t use them to directly buy goods or services. This approach aims to make the rules clearer while keeping the market safe, attracting both Russian and international investors.
Stricter rules for crypto mining
Though Russia is encouraging the use of cryptocurrency, it is at the same time suppressing illegal cryptocurrency mining activities in the country. An offender found mining cryptocurrency without registering with the authorities could face a fine of up to 1.5 million rubles, and in extreme cases, one may even end up in prison for up to five years.
These measures, under Article 171.6, reflect the government’s dual strategy: encourage regulated investment while punishing illegal activity. Deputy Prime Minister Alexander Novak previously indicated that these reforms aim for full implementation in 2026. Administrative fines introduced in 2025 now escalate to criminal penalties under the new draft law.
Global context and US developments
However, Russia’s act is not an isolated on making crypto regulation better. In the United States, for example, a Blockchain Regulatory Certainty Act of 2026 has been proposed by Senators Cynthia Lummis and Ron Wyden.
According to this act, those developing blockchain applications that do not handle funds on behalf of third parties do not have to act like banks or payment processors. Therefore, they cannot be sued or prosecuted for misuse by third parties.
The US legislation is much like what is proposed by Russia, supporting blockchain growth while protecting investors. Evidently, clear guidelines would give the world of crypto the success it needs.
Also Read: Newrez to Accept Crypto Assets for Mortgage Approval Starting February
