Russia has approved a new framework for organized cryptocurrency trading, allowing domestic exchanges to launch services from November 22, 2026. According to an Interfax report published on November 11, the Ministry of Justice registered a Bank of Russia directive setting requirements for trading cryptocurrencies and digital rights.
The new framework allows exchanges to use Russia’s existing financial market infrastructure for cryptocurrency transactions. Platforms must first obtain approval for their trading rules from the regulator before starting operations. The requirements cover exchanges and other market participants involved in handling cryptocurrency transactions.
The Bank of Russia has also outlined duties for brokers, trust managers and central counterparties involved in trading. Exchanges must register participating firms and maintain records of customer orders and completed transactions. The rules also require platforms to monitor trading activity and keep transaction records.
Exchanges Face New Approval and Reporting Requirements
Trading platforms must calculate several price indicators under the new directive. Required figures include current prices, weighted-average prices, market prices and closing prices. Maintaining such records will allow exchanges to track trading activity and report market results through procedures already used for other financial assets.
The regulator confirmed the date for the start of organized cryptocurrency trading, while making approval a condition for exchanges. The Bank of Russia said:
“Exchanges have the right to launch cryptocurrency trading starting November 22, 2026, but they must first agree on the rules for conducting such trading with the regulator.”
The framework also introduces registration procedures for cryptocurrency exchanges and digital asset custodians. The Bank of Russia will review documents and management qualifications for market participants. Existing operators must adjust their activities to meet the new requirements, with the licensing transition scheduled for completion by July 1, 2027.
Retail Investors Gain Access to Three Approved Cryptocurrencies
The November 22 trading framework follows a separate central bank announcement issued on November 6. Under the earlier decision, non-qualified investors can trade Bitcoin, Ethereum and USDT, issued by Tether, from November 17, 2026. Public access to the approved assets will begin five days before the exchange framework takes effect.
Non-qualified investors face an annual cryptocurrency purchase limit of 300,000 rubles, or about $3,700, through each intermediary. Eligible intermediaries include brokers, trust managers and cryptocurrency exchange providers operating under Russian law. The limit applies separately through each intermediary rather than across all providers combined.
Qualified investors can buy a wider selection of cryptocurrencies without an annual purchase limit. Both qualified and non-qualified investors must pass an investment knowledge test before making transactions. The central bank selected approved assets after reviewing liquidity, market capitalization, trading volumes and historical price records, requiring five years of pricing data from foreign exchanges.
Moscow Exchange Plans December 1 Crypto Launch
Moscow Exchange plans to start cryptocurrency trading on December 1, 2026, following tests with professional market participants. The exchange intends to use a partner digital depository for settlement and custody, while brokers will provide trading access to customers.
The launch follows Russia’s crypto legislation, which took effect on September 1, 2026, setting rules for exchanges, intermediaries and digital depositories. Cryptocurrency payments remain prohibited within Russia, although approved cross-border settlements are permitted.
