Putin Signs Russia's Crypto Law, Legalizing BTC and ETH Trading

Russia has signed a new crypto law that legalizes regulated trading and investment in cryptocurrencies such as Bitcoin and Ether starting September 1, 2026, while keeping the ban on using digital assets for domestic payments. The move shifts crypto activity into a supervised market under Bank of Russia oversight, with licensed exchanges, depositories, brokers and asset managers operating through regulated intermediaries. Retail investors will face knowledge tests and annual purchase limits, while qualified investors can access a broader range of assets without a statutory cap. The framework is likely to improve legal clarity and institutional participation in Russia, but it also tightens control, reduces privacy, and may channel activity away from offshore platforms. Market impact is mainly regulatory rather than immediate price-driven, with potential demand support for BTC and ETH if licensed domestic adoption grows.