Deputy Finance Minister Ivan Chebeskov stated that 20 million Russians currently hold digital assets worth 3.7 ₽ trillion. The ministry forecasts an additional 10 million users by 2027, potentially bringing the total to 30 million participants in a country of 144 million people.
A new regulatory framework for digital assets became effective on September 1, 2026. The law mandates that all crypto intermediaries, including exchanges and brokers, obtain licenses by July 1, 2027. It also establishes rules for custodians operating within the country.
The legislation prohibits domestic crypto payments to maintain the ruble's status in local commerce. However, it permits cross-border transactions for international settlements. Retail investors who are not qualified face an annual purchase limit of 300,000 ₽ per intermediary.
Data from June 2026 indicated that Russians had opened 10 million wallets on foreign exchanges. Furthermore, a September 19, 2026, survey by Finam showed that 85% of over 1,500 active traders are prepared to switch to domestic platforms once they become available.
