365Crypto
Russia’s central bank and finance ministry are teaming up to launch a crypto exchange—but not for everyone.
Only Russia’s wealthiest, most experienced investors will get access under a special “experimental legal regime.” Think of it like a velvet-rope VIP club, but for buying and selling crypto like Bitcoin.
Finance Minister Anton Siluanov said this platform will pull crypto trading “out of the shadows.” But don’t expect to see it on Russian streets—it’s all part of a test run outside everyday systems.
Back in March, the central bank suggested creating this three-year crypto sandbox. The idea? Let a small group of deep-pocketed investors trade digital assets legally.
Who’s invited to the party? Investors worth over 100 million rubles ($1.2 million) or making at least 50 million rubles a year ($602,000). The term “super-qualified investor” isn’t final—it might still change.
Osman Kabaloev from the Finance Ministry said the rules are still in the works. “We’re still figuring things out,” he said (we’re paraphrasing, but you get it).
Russia banned crypto payments back in 2021. But since then, it’s been exploring other ways to make crypto useful—like its own stablecoin or even accepting Bitcoin in oil deals.
Oh, and one official even suggested creating a government-run crypto fund using confiscated criminal assets. Because, you know, why let seized coins go to waste?
