TLDR:Russia’s crypto framework starts September 2026 and covers exchanges, mining, custody, and investor protections nationwide.Retail investors face a 300,000-ruble annual crypto purchase limit through each approved intermediary under the new law.Domestic cryptocurrency payments remain prohibited despite broader regulation of exchanges and digital asset infrastructure.Qualified investors gain unrestricted crypto access after meeting suitability requirements under Russia’s updated framework.Russia has approved its first comprehensive legal framework governing digital currencies, creating clear rules for exchanges, custody providers, mining, and investors.The legislation introduces operating standards across the crypto sector while keeping domestic cryptocurrency payments prohibited. Retail investors will face annual purchase limits, while qualified investors receive broader market access. Most provisions will begin taking effect from September 1, 2026.Russia Crypto Law Establishes Rules for Exchanges, Mining, and Digital AssetsRussian President Vladimir Putin signed the legislation on August 4, according to Russian state news agency TASS. The measure creates the country’s first broad regulatory framework covering digital currencies and digital rights.The law defines operating standards for crypto exchanges, digital depositories, brokers, clearing organizations, and digital financial asset issuers. It also regulates cryptocurrency mining, custody, accounting, and the circulation of foreign digital instruments.Crypto exchange operators must join a dedicated registry to continue offering services. However, existing operators may continue working without registration until July 1, 2027.The legislation requires exchange providers to maintain at least 15 million rubles in equity. It also requires them to join a financial market self-regulatory organization, according to TASS.Russia continues to prohibit cryptocurrencies from serving as payment for goods or services inside the country. The ban also extends to advertising crypto as a domestic payment method.The law still allows cryptocurrency use in several specific situations. Those include foreign trade settlements, mining-related transactions, digital asset settlements, and payments connected to approved information systems.Russia Limits Retail Crypto Purchases While Expanding Cross-Border Trade UseRetail investors may only purchase the most liquid cryptocurrencies through approved intermediaries. Annual purchases cannot exceed 300,000 rubles through each intermediary.Qualified investors may buy any cryptocurrency without those limits. Both retail and professional investors must complete mandatory suitability testing before accessing the market.The legislation also allows experienced crypto traders to qualify for professional investor status based on previous trading activity. TASS reported that courts will protect digital asset ownership regardless of previous declarations.Banks receive new compliance responsibilities under the framework. Financial institutions must block transfers if they suspect unauthorized crypto exchange activity.Several implementation dates remain spread across 2027. Rules covering transfer restrictions and non-resident digital depositories start on July 1, 2027. Additional provisions governing digital financial assets and depositories begin on September 1, 2027.Social media accounts discussing the legislation reflected similar interpretations. Master of Crypto noted that Russia continues restricting domestic crypto payments while prioritizing cross-border settlements following the country’s removal from the SWIFT network in 2022. RUSSIA DIDN'T LEGALIZE CRYPTO FOR ITS PEOPLE.Russia approved $BTC, $ETH, and USDT, but only for international trade through Central Bank-approved exchanges.Regular people can only buy around $3,800 worth of crypto each year. Crypto payments inside Russia are still banned.… pic.twitter.com/SzVA6V9jLr— Master of Crypto (@MasterCryptoHq) August 6, 2026Wise Advice also highlighted that the framework primarily introduces oversight for exchanges, custody providers, mining operations, and investor access rather than fully opening the domestic crypto market.The post Russia Signs Crypto Law That Sets Exchange Rules and Retail Investment Caps appeared first on Blockonomi.