Russia Considers New Cryptocurrency Regulations to Broaden Investor Access

According to Odaily, the Russian central bank is developing a new regulatory framework for cryptocurrencies that may allow previously ineligible investors to purchase digital assets. On November 26, Russian Deputy Finance Minister Ivan Chebeskov disclosed that the Ministry of Finance and the central bank are planning to remove the current stringent rules that restrict cryptocurrency market participation to 'highly qualified' investors. The proposed changes aim to establish a tiered access system to expand the range of legitimate investors. Under the existing regulations, individual investors must have at least 100 million rubles in bank deposits and securities, and demonstrate an annual income exceeding 50 million rubles to qualify as 'highly qualified' investors.