Russia Proposes Regulated Crypto Framework for Retail Investors, Highlights Stablecoins and Crypto Asset Risks

Citing CoinDesk on December 24, the Russian central bank unveiled a proposed framework to allow regulated testing of crypto purchases for retail investors and qualified investors, with caps and a phased rollout by 2027. The plan signals a measured shift toward crypto regulation in Russia.

Officials caution that these assets are not issued or guaranteed by any jurisdiction and carry heightened volatility and sanction risks. Investors considering crypto exposure should assess the potential for fund losses and conduct due diligence under the framework’s guardrails.

Under the proposal, crypto assets and stablecoins would be classified as currency assets, allowed to be bought and sold but not used for domestic payments, preserving existing payment rails while expanding institutional access.