Russia Authorises Organised Cryptocurrency Trading via Bank of Russia Ordinance

Quick Summary

The Bank of Russia has officially authorised organised cryptocurrency trading starting November 22, 2026. Under a new ordinance registered by the Ministry of Justice, exchanges must secure regulatory approval for trading rules, register participants, and provide transparent reporting on digital currency transactions to central authorities.

How Will Russia Regulate Cryptocurrency Trading?

The Bank of Russia has established a clear framework for cryptocurrency trading that mirrors traditional financial asset oversight. Exchanges must obtain explicit concurrence from the regulator regarding their internal trading rules before commencing operations. This ensures that all organised digital trading aligns with national financial stability goals.

• Mandatory registration of all trading participants including brokers and trust managers.
• Comprehensive monitoring of all orders and transactions to prevent market manipulation.
• Standardised reporting procedures that align with existing asset class protocols.

What Are the Requirements for Crypto Exchanges?

Under the new ordinance, exchanges are tasked with significant administrative and analytical responsibilities. They must act as the primary gatekeepers for cryptocurrency trading, maintaining detailed registers and calculating critical market price indicators. This includes providing weighted average and closing prices to ensure market transparency.

• Calculation of indicators such as current and market prices.
• Central counterparty registration to manage systemic risk.
• Data sharing with the Bank of Russia on trading progress and results.

FF NEWS TAKE:

This move by the Bank of Russia represents a calculated shift toward formalising the digital asset economy. By setting a 2026 activation date, the regulator is giving the infrastructure time to mature while imposing strict, traditional-finance-style oversight. It moves the needle by providing a legal pathway for institutional cryptocurrency trading, though the heavy compliance burden will likely limit the field to major established players.