Partial Green Light for Crypto from Russia: A Door Open Only for the 'Qualified' 🚪💼

As of May 28, 2025, the Central Bank of Russia has stated that direct investment in cryptocurrencies is still risky, but has opened the way for crypto derivative products for qualified investors. This is part of a cautious and controlled 'opening up to crypto' strategy.

📌 So What Does This Exactly Mean?

Only certain investors will have access to products indexed to crypto prices. But beware: these products do not involve the crypto asset itself, only gains obtained from price movements. (Non-deliverable structure.)

📉 The risk is high → The Central Bank recommends caution and capital controls.

Major players like Sberbank and T-Bank have already taken action:

📌 Sberbank: Preparing bonds indexed to crypto prices

📌 T-Bank: Launched a #Bitcoin-based digital product in its mobile app (only for accredited investors)

📈 The Numbers Are Striking:

As of Q1 2025, Russian investors' assets in crypto: $81.5 billion

Estimated assets held on centralized exchanges: $9.2 billion

62% of these assets are Bitcoin, 22% are Ether, and 15.9% are stablecoins

📌 Soon, a special experimental crypto exchange will be on the way, accessible only to 'highly qualified' investors.

Russia is creating a controlled space instead of completely banning crypto. Crypto is becoming financialized, but not for everyone. For now, a lane is being drawn open only for 'Qualified Investors.'