The Russian State Duma passes crypto regulation bill, allowing foreign trade settlements but banning crypto payments domestically

Odaily Odaily reports that the Russian State Duma has completed the second and third readings of Bill No. 1194918-8 on "Digital Currency and Digital Rights" and passed it smoothly. The bill establishes a comprehensive licensed regulatory framework for the crypto market, covering crypto exchanges, brokers, asset management, and custodian institutions, with the Central Bank of Russia issuing licenses and overseeing the market RIA Novosti... .

The policy implements differentiated rules: it allows enterprises to use digital assets for cross-border settlements in foreign trade but strictly prohibits the use of cryptocurrencies for paying for goods and services within Russia. The core provisions of the bill are scheduled to take effect on September 1, 2026, with some supporting rules having a transition period until July 1, 2027. After passing through the Duma process, the bill must still be reviewed by the Federation Council and ultimately signed by President Putin to become official federal law.