Russia’s crypto rules take shape as first licensed platforms emerge and Moscow Exchange readies December launch

Russia’s new crypto framework has moved from paper to practice. In the two months since the law took effect, the central bank has already cleared 23 exchanges and eight depositories for operation, while NAUFOR became the first self-regulatory body to receive official status. All crypto services now have 90 days to join an SRO or face shutdown.

Unqualified investors face tight limits: only bitcoin, Ethereum and USDT, capped at 300,000 rubles a year per intermediary. The draft rule is still with the Justice Ministry. Everyone, qualified or not, must pass a knowledge test before trading; brokers will be the first to offer the exam and results will be accepted across all regulated venues.

Digital assets may be held only inside licensed depositories, with no peer-to-peer transfers or withdrawals to personal wallets allowed. From 1 December Moscow Exchange will open trading in the three permitted coins during regular stock-market hours, 06:50–23:50 Moscow time, with plans to add more assets later.

Based on information from cryptonews.net