Bank of Russia Opens Selective Crypto Trading Window for BTC

The Bank of Russia has proposed an experimental regulatory framework that would allow a limited circle of high-net-worth Russian investors to trade cryptocurrencies such as Bitcoin (BTC). The proposal, aligned with governmental instructions, aims to bring regulatory clarity by putting in place a controlled environment for cryptocurrency trading. However, this new regime is strictly for select investors with significant assets, while retail transactions and crypto payments remain banned. The measure is expected to draw institutional interest and lend some legitimacy to Bitcoin trading, even as the restriction on broader market participation may limit widespread adoption. The proposal also entails penalties for transactions outside the approved framework, which may impose volatility in the short term while influencing longer‐term regulatory trends.