Russian Central Bank Greenlights Crypto-Linked Trading for Eligible Investors

Russia's Central Bank has authorized the trading of financial tools linked to cryptocurrencies for qualified investors, but investors will not be able to hold the digital assets, receiving payouts based on price movements instead. While Russian financial institutions can now issue financial derivatives and other securities tied to cryptocurrencies, access is strictly limited to investors meeting certain legal requirements.

The financial regulator is also enforcing strict risk controls, requiring full backing of these positions with capital and imposing individual exposure limits. This move is part of broader efforts to establish a legal framework for digital assets in Russia, with the government reviewing proposals for a pilot program restricting crypto transactions to certain investor categories.

Plans are also underway to establish a government-run crypto exchange, operating within an experimental legal framework for financial innovation and open to a limited group of approved investors.