Russian State Duma Passes Cryptocurrency Regulation Bill, Allowing Foreign Trade Settlements but Banning Domestic Crypto Payments

Odaily Planet Daily News 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 system for the crypto market, covering crypto exchanges, brokers, asset management firms, and custodians. Licenses will be uniformly issued and regulated by the Central Bank of Russia, according to RIA Novosti...

The policy adopts 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 regulations having a transition period extending to July 1, 2027. After passing through the State Duma procedure, the bill still needs to be reviewed by the Federation Council and ultimately signed by President Vladimir Putin before it can officially become federal law.