Russia's Central Bank Approves Public Trading of Bitcoin, Ethereum, and Tether

Russia's Central Bank has officially approved the public trading of Bitcoin, Ethereum, and Tether on local exchanges, adhering to strict criteria such as market capitalization and a minimum five-year pricing history on external platforms.

Regulatory Details and Investor Limits

The central bank stated that qualified investors can trade without quantity restrictions, whereas unqualified investors face an annual cap of 300,000 rubles per broker. All participants must undergo risk assessment tests before engaging in transactions.

Legislative Background and Timeline

This move implements the law signed by President Vladimir Putin on August 4. The bank has opened a consultation period for feedback on the draft instructions until August 24 to finalize the regulatory framework for this emerging financial sector.

This decision marks a significant shift in Russia's financial policy, integrating digital assets into the official legal framework and reflecting efforts to regulate the market, ensure transparency, and protect investors from volatility.