Update
Russia Bans Direct Peer-to-Peer Crypto Trades
Russia's Bank of Russia announced on October 12, 2026, that direct peer-to-peer transactions in digital assets will be banned starting July 1, 2027. The ban applies to all legitimate trades, requiring them to pass through licensed intermediaries such as brokers, exchanges, and depositories. The transition period ends on July 1, 2027, giving traders, platforms, and intermediaries time to adjust. Non-qualified investors are limited to a purchase of 300,000 rubles per year per intermediary for the most liquid digital assets like Bitcoin and Ether.