Russia to allow retail investors to buy Bitcoin, Ethereum and Tether

's press service, the new regulatory framework will take effect on November 17, 2026, allowing Russian exchanges to facilitate public trading in the three selected digital assets. Under the new rules, non-professional investors will be able to purchase the cryptocurrencies through brokers, investment managers and cryptocurrency exchange platforms.

Transactions will be permitted both on organised exchanges and in over-the-counter (OTC) markets. However, investors will be required to pass a relevant assessment before trading in cryptocurrencies and demonstrate an understanding of the financial risks associated with digital assets.

The central bank said professional investors would be allowed to trade in other cryptocurrencies without the specific restrictions imposed on ordinary investors.

The initial list of approved cryptocurrencies was selected on the basis of regulatory eligibility, market capitalisation, average daily trading volumes and historical price data from international trading platforms., eligible cryptocurrencies must have at least five years of historical price records.

The regulator said the selection criteria were designed to limit potential financial risks and protect ordinary investors from exposure to highly volatile digital assets. The decision represents an important development in Russia's approach to cryptocurrency investment, expanding retail access while maintaining restrictions and safeguards for less experienced investors.

Once the new rules come into force, exchanges and financial institutions will be able to offer trading facilities in the selected cryptocurrencies under the prescribed regulatory framework. Russia will allow ordinary investors to buy Bitcoin, Ethereum and Tether from November 17, under new central bank rules introducing cryptocurrency access and safeguards.