The digital ruble has been officially available for transactions in Russia since September 1. Prime Minister Mikhail Mishustin stated that the currency is a key element in building a fast and independent national payment infrastructure.
In August 2024, President Vladimir Putin signed a law regulating digital assets, which legalized the circulation of cryptocurrencies. The legislation mandates that only registered entities may operate as exchanges within the country.
Retail investors face specific restrictions under the new law, with annual trading volumes for liquid cryptocurrencies capped at 300 000 ₽. Qualified investors are exempt from these limitations.
While the government promotes the digital ruble, it maintains a strict regulatory stance on private cryptocurrencies. The Bank of Russia utilizes a hybrid architecture for its CBDC, combining a centralized ledger with distributed-ledger components.
