The Central Bank of Russia has established a regulatory framework for crypto market participants, including digital depositories, crypto exchanges, and operators of information systems issuing digital rights. All entities must be registered in specialized Central Bank registries to operate legally.
The new regulations, approved by the Ministry of Justice on September 23, 2026, take effect on October 5, 2026. Applicants are required to submit constitutive documents, contact details, identification data, and information regarding ownership stakes and operational rights.
The rules set specific capital requirements: crypto exchanges must maintain at least 15 ₽ million in equity, while digital depositories must hold between 50 ₽ million and 250 ₽ million, depending on their specific activities. Existing market players may follow a simplified procedure.
The Central Bank has also outlined procedures for maintaining registries, updating information, and publishing data on registered organizations. According to Deputy Chairman Vladimir Chistyukhin, the first companies are expected to receive their licenses by the end of 2026.
