Russia Bitcoin Trading Opens Up: 3 Coins Approved, ₽300K Cap
Russia Bitcoin Trading: 3 Coins Approved, But What Is the ₽300K Cap?
Russia Bitcoin trading is moving from the sidelines to regulated exchanges.
On November 6, 2026, the central bank announced a short list of digital currencies for ordinary buyers, and the country’s largest exchange group now plans to open a crypto market on December 1.
Here is what changes, who can buy, how much, and when.
The Central Bank Approves Bitcoin, Ether and USDT
The Bank of Russia announced on November 6, 2026, that Bitcoin, Ether, and USDT are on the list of cryptocurrencies open to non-qualified investors, meaning everyday retail buyers.
Its ordinance takes effect on November 17, 2026. From that date, exchanges may admit these assets to public trading.
A Russian-language version of the announcement is also available.
In simple terms, a non-qualified investor is an everyday buyer without the special status that qualified investors hold, so tighter limits apply.
| Date | Event |
| Nov 2, 2026 | Moscow Exchange announces its plan for a digital currency market |
| Nov 6, 2026 | Central bank publishes the approved list |
| Nov 17, 2026 | Ordinance takes effect |
| Dec 1, 2026 | Planned start of exchange deals |
Rules for Everyday Buyers: The ₽300,000 Yearly Limit
Everyday buyers will purchase through intermediaries such as brokers, trust managers or crypto exchange offices, either on exchanges or over the counter.
Purchases through a single intermediary may not exceed ₽300,000 per year, as the central bank states.
The ordinance adds that the limit counts the total ruble cost of all purchases made through that broker within a calendar year.
In practice, a buyer who spends the full ₽300,000 through one broker has reached the limit for that broker for the year.
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Cap: ₽300,000 per calendar year through one intermediary.
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Venues: exchange markets and over-the-counter deals.
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Required steps: pass a test and read the risk information before any deal.
For retail users, Russia Bitcoin trading will therefore come with a spending ceiling and a mandatory knowledge check.
The test and risk review apply to every investor, whatever their status.
What Qualified Investors Can Do
Qualified investors, who hold a higher legal status, will have access to all cryptoassets without restrictions, the central bank confirms.
They still need to pass the test and read the risks before a deal. The table shows the main differences.
| Feature | Non-qualified | Qualified |
| Assets | Approved list: Bitcoin, Ether, and USDT | All cryptoassets |
| Yearly cap | ₽300,000 per intermediary | None |
| Test and risk review | Required | Required |
Moscow Exchange Plans a December 1 Launch
Moscow Exchange plans to let market participants deal in digital currencies from December 1, 2026.
It describes the move as the first organized digital currency market in the country.
For readers following Russia Bitcoin trading, this is the key date, because the market rests on the new Federal Law No. 282-FZ on digital currencies and digital rights.
Its main provisions have applied since September 1, 2026, and other norms follow in July and September 2027.
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First stage: pilot deals, with participants joining gradually as they become ready.
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Technology: the same systems as the stock market, with deals included in the single clearing of the National Clearing Centre.
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Assets at the start: BTC, ETH and USDT, through anonymous order matching and negotiated deals.
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Settlement: same-day (TOD) and next-day (TOM) options, plus swaps for managing liquidity.
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Later: more international and Russian digital instruments.
| Item | Detail |
| Planned start | December 1, 2026 |
| Hours | 06:50 to 23:50 Moscow time, same as the stock market |
| Interest | Regular market participants, their clients and active crypto users |
How the Approved List Was Chosen
The list contains only the most liquid assets, based on the criteria in the law.
The central bank considered market capitalization (the total value of all coins), average daily trading volume, and price history on foreign markets, which must be at least five years.
It says this approach is meant to lower risks for non-qualified investors. In the ordinance, USDT is listed as a foreign digital instrument.
Conclusion
In short, Russia Bitcoin trading now has a clear path: approved assets from November 17, a planned market launch on December 1, and firm limits for everyday buyers.
Anyone planning to take part must pass the required test and read the risk information. This article is for information only and is not financial advice.
Disclaimer
This article is for educational and informational purposes only and is not financial or investment advice. Crypto assets are high risk, their prices can be very volatile, and you can lose some or all of your money. Always do your own research and consider speaking with a licensed financial advisor before making investment decisions.
