Bank of Russia authorizes crypto exchange trading from Nov. 22
- Bank of Russia permits organized crypto trading beginning November 22.
- Exchanges must register participants and report activity to the regulator.
- Non-qualified investors can purchase Bitcoin, Ether, and USDT from November 17.
- Retail investors face a 300,000 ruble annual purchase limit.
- Moscow Exchange plans a pilot program for crypto trading on December 1.
The Bank of Russia has officially authorized the commencement of organized cryptocurrency trading starting November 22, 2026, following the registration of new regulatory directives.
This authorization requires exchanges to obtain approval from the central bank for their specific trading rules before operations can begin. Interfax reported that the Ministry of Justice directive outlines the requirements for organized trading in digital rights and cryptocurrencies.
While the broader organized trading framework takes effect on November 22, previous reports indicated the central bank granted approval for retail crypto trading to begin as early as November 17. These regulatory developments occur as Russia and Ukraine continue high-level negotiations regarding a potential prisoner of war exchange.
The prisoner exchange talks concluded on Wednesday without any significant breakthrough, despite reports that an agreement had been reached earlier in the day. These geopolitical tensions persist alongside the central bank's shift toward formalizing the domestic cryptocurrency market.
Exchanges must meet strict operational requirements
Trading platforms must register brokers, trust managers, and central counterparties to operate under the new directives. These exchanges are required to maintain registers of orders and transactions.
Platforms must monitor all activity and calculate current, weighted-average, market, and closing prices. All trading activity must be reported to the central bank.
Non-qualified investors gain access to crypto on Nov. 17
A regulatory decision published on November 6 permits non-qualified investors to purchase Bitcoin, Ether, and Tether’s USDT. This list of approved assets takes effect on November 17.
Investment limits and mandatory knowledge tests
Non-qualified investors face a 300,000 ruble annual purchase limit, equivalent to approximately $3,600. Qualified investors are exempt from this purchase cap.
All investors must pass a knowledge test and review investment risks before they are permitted to trade. Assets must meet specific criteria regarding market capitalization and average daily trading volume.
Eligible cryptocurrencies must also show at least five years of pricing records on foreign exchanges.
Moscow Exchange plans pilot program for December
The Moscow Exchange plans to launch a pilot program for Bitcoin, Ether, and USDT trading on December 1. The exchange will utilize its existing stock-market systems for these transactions.
He also stated that the exchange would not require additional licenses to begin operations.
Moscow time. Separately, the Ethereum network has placed the Hoodi fork, which is linked to Glamsterdam, on hold.
SPB Exchange prepares for future crypto operations
The SPB Exchange intends to start organized cryptocurrency trading by the end of 2026. The exchange is currently building its own settlement digital depository to facilitate these operations.
Regulatory framework established under Federal Law 282-FZ
Russia’s regulated cryptocurrency market opened on September 1 following the enactment of the law on digital currencies and digital rights. Federal Law No. 282-FZ, which also took effect on September 1, licenses market participants and recognizes cryptocurrency as property.
The law permits cross-border trade but prohibits the use of cryptocurrency for domestic payments for goods and services.
Registered institutions must bring their operations into full compliance with the new legislation by September 1, 2027.
Frequently Asked Questions
- Russia's Central Bank Clears Exchange Crypto Trading From Nov. 22 (bitcoinmagazine.com)
- Russia clears crypto exchange trading from Nov. 22 under central bank rules (crypto.news)
- Nov (Wikipedia — background) (en.wikipedia.org)
Add NewsPulse Time as a preferred source on Google