Vladimir Putin Signs First Comprehensive Russian Cryptocurrency Law

President Vladimir Putin signed Russia's first comprehensive law regulating digital currencies and digital rights on August 4 and 5, 2026. The legislation recognizes digital currency as property and establishes a legal framework for trading, custody, and investment, with most provisions taking effect on September 1, 2026.

The law empowers the Central Bank of the Russian Federation to supervise the market and license exchanges. By July 1, 2027, digital currency exchanges must be listed in a government registry, maintain at least 15 million rubles in funds, and belong to a self-regulatory body. While the law prohibits cryptocurrencies as a means of payment within Russia, it provides an exception for companies engaged in foreign trade.

Investment limits are tiered by investor status. Non-accredited investors face an annual cap of 300,000 rubles per intermediary for liquid cryptocurrencies, whereas accredited investors have no such limits. Additionally, the government will implement cryptocurrency mining restrictions in Moscow, the Moscow Region, and parts of the Kursk Region starting August 15 to lower electricity consumption.

Alongside the digital currency law, Putin signed legislation imposing financial and consular restrictions on Russian citizens convicted in absentia while living abroad and a law granting government agencies access to confidential food supply chain data effective January 1, 2027.