📊 Russia Launches Pilot Program for Crypto Trading Among “Highly Qualified” Investors
The Bank of Russia has proposed a three-year experimental legal regime (ELR) that will allow a select group of investors to trade cryptocurrencies. The goal is to enhance market transparency and establish service standards within the digital asset space.
Eligibility criteria for “highly qualified” investors:
- Investments in securities and deposits over 100 million rubles
- Annual income exceeding 50 million rubles
- Companies officially recognized as qualified investors
Financial institutions wishing to participate in the ELR must comply with regulatory requirements that account for the risks and nature of crypto assets.
Outside of the ELR, the Bank of Russia proposes a ban on crypto payments between residents and penalties for violations.
This initiative reflects the government’s attempt to balance innovation in financial technologies with the stability of the financial system. However, experts point out that the limited access to crypto markets for the general public may continue to hinder the industry’s growth within the country.
