The Russian Ministry of Finance approves new central bank regulations: non-professional investors may be allowed to enter

There has been a significant development in Russia’s financial regulatory landscape. Finance Minister Arno recently stated that the Ministry of Finance supports the central bank’s plan to open up cryptocurrency trading to retail investors. This shift indicates that regulators are beginning to explore how to open the market while maintaining manageable risks.

Strict Entry Mechanisms

According to the central bank’s specific recommendations, non-professional investors are not entirely allowed to trade freely. The new regulations require investors to pass a specialized test to demonstrate basic knowledge of crypto assets before they can participate. This step is considered an important risk control measure aimed at preventing retail investors with little understanding from operating blindly.

Trading Limits and Platform Restrictions Become Focuses

Regulators have also set clear investment caps. Based on the central bank’s advice, the annual investment total for a single intermediary must not exceed 300,000 rubles, effectively imposing a hard cap on each trader’s maximum exposure. Additionally, all trading activities must be conducted on platforms officially registered and approved in Russia, eliminating gray areas of over-the-counter (OTC) trading.

Policy Intentions and Interpretations

Arno’s statement marks a subtle shift in Russia’s attitude toward cryptocurrencies. Moving from a complete ban to a conditional opening reflects regulators’ recognition of the market realities of crypto assets. Through layered protections such as testing, quota limits, and platform regulation, they aim to strike a balance between innovation and risk. If this plan is ultimately implemented, it will represent a significant turning point for Russia’s digital asset market.