The Bank of Russia proposed rules allowing both qualified and non‑qualified investors to purchase most cryptocurrencies with limits. Non‑qualified investors could buy a to‑be‑defined set of liquid crypto after passing a knowledge test, capped at 300,000 rubles (~$3,834) per year. Qualified investors would have broader market access (excluding privacy coins) subject to a knowledge test. Residents may use foreign platforms and foreign accounts to acquire crypto and transfer assets through Russian intermediaries, with a tax‑notification requirement. The central bank reiterated that crypto remain high‑risk, cannot be used for domestic payments, and that exchanges, brokers, trustees and specialized depositories will operate under licensing and separate requirements.

Proposed rules expand legal retail access (non‑qualified investors allowed limited purchases; qualified investors broader access) and permit use of foreign platforms, which is supportive for demand; limits (300,000 RUB/yr cap, knowledge tests), exclusion of privacy coins, ban on domestic payments, and licensing requirements constrain immediate market impact.