Russian Cryptocurrency Law: What You Need to Know

When navigating Russian cryptocurrency law, the legal framework that governs digital assets in the Russian Federation, including rules on trading, taxation, and compliance, also known as Russia crypto regulation, you quickly discover how fast policy can shift in a market that evolves daily.

One key pillar is anti‑money laundering (AML) regulations, mandatory procedures that crypto services must follow to detect and report suspicious activity. The law requires every exchange, wallet provider, and brokerage to register with the Central Bank and submit regular transaction reports. This registration step is a direct consequence of the broader AML mandate, creating a clear semantic link: Russian cryptocurrency law encompasses AML compliance.

Core Elements Shaping the Landscape

Another crucial element is cryptocurrency taxation, the rules that define how profits from digital asset trading are reported and taxed under Russian tax code. The tax authority treats crypto gains similarly to foreign currency gains, demanding annual reporting and income classification. This tax regime influences how investors structure their portfolios, because the tax rate directly affects net returns.

Licensing also plays a major role. Crypto licensing, the official permission granted by the Central Bank for entities to offer crypto‑related services is mandatory for any platform that wants to operate legally. Without a license, a service faces fines or forced shutdown. The licensing requirement requires strict AML compliance and robust cybersecurity measures, tying the three entities together.

Beyond traditional exchanges, the law addresses decentralized finance (DeFi) restrictions, limits placed on DeFi protocols and services that lack a central authority, aiming to prevent unchecked financial risk. While DeFi projects can still exist, they must avoid offering services that would be classified as banking or investment activities without proper registration. This creates a direct relationship: Russian cryptocurrency law regulates DeFi activities through licensing and AML criteria.

These components—AML, tax, licensing, and DeFi limits—form a network of interdependent rules. For example, a DeFi platform that wants to be licensed must first adopt AML reporting, which then determines its tax obligations. In this ecosystem, each rule reinforces the others, shaping a compliance landscape that can feel complex but is actually systematic.

Understanding how these pieces fit together helps you avoid common pitfalls. Many users assume that because crypto is digital, it falls outside traditional financial oversight. In Russia, the opposite is true: the legal system actively integrates crypto into existing financial controls. This mindset shift requires both awareness and proactive steps, such as registering your service, implementing transaction monitoring, and keeping detailed tax records.

Below you’ll find a curated list of articles that break down each of these topics in plain language. Whether you’re a trader, a service provider, or just curious about the current regulatory climate, the collection offers actionable insights and real‑world examples to keep you ahead of the curve.