In a move that could reshape Russia’s financial landscape, the Bank of Russia has relaxed restrictions on banks’ involvement in cryptocurrency operations. The central bank unveiled new guidelines allowing for limited bitcoin engagement, capped at 1% of capital exposure to minimize systemic risk. This shift comes as global demand for crypto services continues to grow, with a focus on major coins like Bitcoin.
Vladimir Chistyukhin, First Deputy Chairman of the Bank of Russia, announced this policy change during Finopolis 2025 forum. The move aims to provide Russian banks with a defined pathway into cryptocurrency activities while prioritizing stability. This allows them to explore new financial avenues and address market demands, according to the official announcement.
The changes pave the way for more regulated crypto activity in Russia. While Bitcoin is currently prioritized, this strategy signals potential future institutional acceptance of digital assets within a controlled environment. This approach echoes past national efforts to cautiously integrate cryptocurrency into strictly regulated frameworks. Ultimately, this could position Russia as a more active participant in global crypto finance if other nations follow suit. By adopting standardized policies that address systemic risk while supporting innovation, it might provide a model for the future of digital currency regulation.