Bank of Russia Bans Crypto Transfers to Self-Custody Wallets and Plans P2P Ban

The Bank of Russia has prohibited individuals from transferring digital assets like Bitcoin from regulated accounts to non-custodial self-custody wallets, following regulatory guidance issued under Federal Law No. 282-FZ. The framework requires all cryptocurrency trading to transition to licensed intermediaries, banning peer-to-peer transactions starting July 1, 2027. Sberbank, VTB, and T-Invest Lab have joined the official crypto exchange register, with Sberbank authorized to offer exchange services. Non-qualified retail investors face a 300,000 ruble annual purchase cap, and domestic merchant payments remain barred, though crypto is permitted for cross-border trade settlements.