Central Bank of Russia Allows Qualified Investors to Invest in Crypto
The Central Bank of Russia now allows financial institutions to offer financial instruments linked to crypto prices, such as derivatives and digital assets, specifically for qualified investors.
However, these instruments are non-deliverable, meaning investors cannot directly own digital assets, but only receive payments based on the price.
Access to these products is strictly limited to individuals or institutions that meet specific wealth and experience criteria, so the general public remains unable to participate.
The central bank also imposes a number of conservative rules, such as the requirement for financial institutions to fully collateralize their positions with capital and to set individual exposure limits.
This step is part of a three-year pilot effort to develop a legal framework for digital assets in Russia while also reducing the risk of crypto price volatility to the national financial system.
Despite opening limited access, the Central Bank of Russia continues to emphasize a cautious stance and still advises the public not to invest directly in crypto assets.
This new policy marks a gradual shift from Russia's hardline approach to crypto while still prioritizing strict oversight and protecting the national financial system from risks posed by digital assets.
