Russia Opens Crypto Trading: Major Stock Exchanges Await Green Light
Russia’s crypto ecosystem is on the cusp of a major transformation as the country’s two major stock exchanges are preparing to launch regulated crypto trading services. This pivotal moment comes on the heels of the Bank of Russia’s recent release of crypto regulations, which legally approved crypto trading in the country.
Notably, Russia is expected to release clear guidelines on crypto transactions by mid-2026. This proposed regulatory framework aims to provide clarity on the legal status of digital assets in the country.
Russia Embraces Regulated Crypto Trading
Amid Russia’s latest crypto regulation moves, the Moscow Exchange and St. Petersburg Exchange have announced their readiness to launch regulated cryptocurrency trading. While the country’s implementation of the crypto legislative framework is still pending, these stock exchanges are awaiting regulatory approval.
According to local reports, both exchanges are preparing for crypto trading. Anatoly Aksakov, head of the State Duma Financial Market Committee, noted that major exchanges are already “actively involved in developing the cryptocurrency market and organizing the necessary infrastructure.“
While the Moscow Exchange is “actively developing solutions to service the cryptocurrency market,” the St. Petersburg Exchange already holds “the necessary technological infrastructure for trading and settlements.“ The Moscow Exchange noted,
“In our opinion, the regulatory concept uses the accumulated experience of conducting operations in the foreign exchange market, where the Moscow Exchange group has unique competencies in trading, clearing, and settlement technologies in an international context.”
At the same time, the St. Petersburg Exchange expressed its support for the Bank of Russia’s initiative to establish a transparent and secure framework for cryptocurrency circulation in the country. The exchange has also confirmed its readiness to collaborate on developing the necessary infrastructure within a regulated market framework. The team stated,
“We are ready to start trading cryptocurrencies after the relevant changes are made to the legal framework. The SPB exchange has the appropriate technological infrastructure for trading and settlements.”
Russia’s Crypto Future Takes Shape
The stock exchanges’ decision to enter the crypto space comes on the heels of Russia’s recent regulatory update. Reportedly, Russia is set to release an updated framework in 2026, revolutionizing crypto trading in the country.
With this move, Bitcoin and stablecoins will be recognized as “monetary assets.” Finance Minister Anton Siluanov posited,
“Together with the Central Bank, we will launch a crypto exchange for super-qualified investors. Crypto assets will be legalized, and crypto operations will be brought out of the shadows. Naturally, not within our country, but those operations that have been carried out today within the framework of the experimental legal regime.”
Interestingly, the new framework introduces a regulatory trading structure with flexible guidelines. It enables both qualified and retail investors to access digital assets. While cryptocurrencies will be classified as commodities of value, allowing for buying and selling, their use as a payment method will be strictly prohibited.
The central bank’s cautious stance reflects concerns over price volatility and lack of guarantees. Emphasizing the need for prudent investment in the high-risk crypto market.
Also, the country’s latest push for crypto trading comes as Russia has emerged as Europe’s largest crypto market, overtaking the UK. This growth is notable, with Russia recording a staggering #376 billion in transaction volume between July 2023 and June 2024, amid heightened geopolitical tensions and trade deal uncertainties.
