Russia Passes First Crypto Law, Caps Retail Buys at $3,800

Russia has just taken a big step into the world of digital money. On Tuesday, its parliament (the State Duma) passed the country's first comprehensive cryptocurrency law. Most of the new rules will start on September 1.

What is cryptocurrency? It's digital money (like Bitcoin) that exists only online and isn't controlled by any single government or bank.

The new law sets clear rules for who can trade crypto and how. Here are the key points:

• Only companies on a special government registry can run crypto exchanges (websites where people buy and sell digital money).
• Everyday buyers (called retail investors) can only spend about $3,800 per year through each licensed middleman.
• Qualified investors (wealthy or experienced investors) face no limits and can buy any crypto they want.
• Existing companies can keep operating without registering until July 1, 2027.
• Banks must block transfers if they suspect an unregistered exchange is involved.

Can Russians buy groceries with Bitcoin? No. The law keeps the ban on using crypto for everyday payments inside Russia. Advertising crypto payments is also banned.

But there's a major exception: companies can use crypto for international trade. This helps Russian businesses trade with foreign partners despite Western sanctions (financial punishments meant to block Russia from the global economy).

This is a big deal because in April, the European Union launched its toughest sanctions yet against Russia's crypto activity, banning platforms based there. The EU said, *"Russia is becoming increasingly reliant on cryptocurrencies for international transactions."*

Bottom line: Russia is officially embracing crypto as a tool to keep trading with the world — while still keeping tight limits on how ordinary citizens can use it at home.

This is an AI-generated summary. Read the original article at: https://www.coindesk.com/policy/2026/07/21/russia-s-parliament-passes-crypto-market-law-rules-to-take-effect-sept-1