TL;DR
Russia will allow domestic exchanges to begin organized cryptocurrency trading on November 22 , subject to approval from the Bank of Russia.
Exchanges must follow new rules covering transaction records, participant registration, price calculations and regulatory reporting .
Bitcoin, Ether and USDT are among the assets approved for retail investors, while Moscow Exchange plans to introduce its own crypto trading service on December 1 .
Russia is preparing to open its domestic financial markets to organized cryptocurrency trading , allowing local exchanges to introduce digital asset services starting November 22. The move follows new regulatory measures from the Bank of Russia and creates a framework for integrating cryptocurrencies into the country’s existing financial infrastructure.
The decision gives exchanges a clearer path to offer crypto trading under established financial market rules . It also signals a shift toward regulated access rather than keeping digital asset activity outside traditional financial institutions.
Russia Establishes New Rules For Crypto Exchanges
Under the new directive, domestic exchanges can begin cryptocurrency trading once the Bank of Russia approves their operating rules . The requirements cover several areas, including participant registration, transaction monitoring, order management and price reporting.
Trading platforms must maintain separate records of submitted orders and completed transactions. They will also calculate current, weighted average, market and closing prices for digital assets and provide trading information to the central bank.
The framework includes brokers, asset managers and central counterparties involved in cryptocurrency transactions. By applying reporting standards similar to those used for traditional financial instruments, Russia is creating a more structured environment for institutional participation in crypto markets .
These requirements build on legislation that took effect on September 1, establishing separate roles for exchanges, cryptocurrency service providers and digital depositories. The latter will maintain records of digital asset ownership and facilitate transfers and settlement.
Bitcoin, Ethereum And USDT Gain Access To Retail Investors
The exchange rollout follows another regulatory decision announced on November 6. The Bank of Russia approved Bitcoin , Ether and Tether’s USDT for non-qualified investors , expanding access beyond professional market participants.
Starting November 17, retail investors can purchase these assets through authorized intermediaries, including brokers, trust managers and registered cryptocurrency exchange providers. However, annual purchases are capped at 300,000 rubles per intermediary .
Qualified investors face no equivalent purchase limit and can access a broader selection of cryptocurrencies. Both categories must complete a knowledge assessment and review the risks associated with digital asset investments.
Meanwhile, Moscow Exchange is preparing its own cryptocurrency trading service for December 1 . The platform plans to support Bitcoin, Ether and USDT, with brokers providing access and a partner digital depository handling custody and settlement arrangements.
