Russia crypto law transitional compliance deadline

On 1 September 2027, organisations admitted to Russia's crypto market under the transitional provisions of the new cryptocurrency trading and custody law must be fully compliant with the legislation. The deadline is set by the framework supervised by the Bank of Russia and is not tied to any specific coin.

What is happening

Russia's law establishing a regulated structure for cryptocurrency trading and custody took effect on 1 September 2026. Under it, registered organisations must meet requirements for transaction execution and recordkeeping. Firms admitted under the transitional provisions are given until 1 September 2027 to bring their activities fully into line with the legislation.

The framework is already being put into practice. On 12 October, the Bank of Russia added Sberbank to its register of organisations authorised to exchange digital currencies, bringing the number of registered exchange providers to nine. Sberbank had earlier been included in the digital-depository register, and it plans to launch its first crypto products on 1 December 2026 through SberBank Online, SberInvestments and SberBusiness. VTB is also registered for exchange and depository services, and Moscow Exchange has indicated plans to enable crypto transactions from December.

The law also sets rules for investors. Non-qualified investors may buy eligible cryptocurrencies worth up to 300,000 rubles per year through each intermediary after passing a required test. Qualified investors must also pass testing but face no equivalent annual limit. Cryptocurrency remains prohibited as a means of payment for ordinary goods and services in Russia.

Why it matters

The deadline marks the end of the grace period for firms operating under transitional arrangements. After 1 September 2027, such organisations are expected to meet the full legal requirements, which may affect which providers remain active in the regulated market and how they handle transactions and records.

For holders and traders in Russia, the practical effect is likely to be seen in the choice of intermediaries and the conditions they offer, including investor testing and purchase limits. Cryptocurrency prices can fluctuate significantly, and users should consider the applicable rules, platform conditions and potential losses before participating. This card is informational and does not constitute financial advice.

Key details

• Date: 1 September 2027 (confirmed)
• Project: Bank of Russia
• Coins: none specified
• Category: Regulatory Deadline
• Status: confirmed
• Source: serrarigroup.com, article on Sberbank's approval for crypto trading