Retail adoption may rise during economic uncertainty, contributing to a larger role for crypto alongside traditional finance, contingent on a well-designed regulatory framework.

The draft would allow professional market participants to work with cryptocurrencies without restrictions while restricting non-qualified investors to caps.

Non-qualified investors would face annual purchase limits, whereas professionals and firms would operate without such limits.

Technical hurdles also encompass possible involvement of Russian tech firms and international partnerships to support these capabilities.

Regulators have discussed relaxing current experimental cross-border payments rules and access limits for highly qualified investors as part of the broader policy shift.

Economically, the move could raise trading volume on Russian platforms, spur domestic blockchain infrastructure, attract crypto-related businesses, and deepen the integration between traditional and digital finance if enforcement is effective.

Sanctions and diversification motives are driving the policy shift, with lawmakers aiming to debate crypto and blockchain development in spring 2026 and consider broader digital economy measures.

Under the proposed rules, Russians could use digital coins for international settlements and to raise foreign capital on foreign markets, while crypto would not replace the ruble.

Russia is moving toward allowing retail investment in cryptocurrencies, with a State Duma draft bill that would let non-professional investors legally buy, hold, and trade digital assets through regulated platforms, signaling a shift from its historically cautious stance.

Core regulatory elements expected with retail access include consumer protections, investor verification, anti-money laundering measures, exchange regulation, taxation, cross-border rules, and strong custody and cybersecurity standards.

Anatoly Aksakov, head of the State Duma Committee on Financial Markets, says the legislation will turn cryptocurrency into an accessible tool and integrate it into the economy.

Implementation challenges focus on robust digital identity verification, real-time transaction monitoring, secure custody, platform oversight, interoperability with existing financial systems, cybersecurity, and effective dispute resolution.