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- Russia moves to open trading for retail investors with limits
- Lawmakers advance bill allowing small crypto purchases while protecting stability
- New framework supports cross-border use and caps non-qualified investor exposure
Russia is preparing to loosen its grip on cryptocurrency trading as lawmakers advance a bill targeting retail participation, according to TASS. The project represents an effort to integrate digital assets into daily financial operations under strict regulatory oversight.
Anatoly Aksakov announced that the draft act is final and is now ready for review by parliament. He gave an update in an interview with the Russia-24 television channel, as reported by TASS. In addition, Aksakov wrote that the proposal eliminates cryptocurrencies as a subject to special financial regulation. This shift would enable the digital assets to exist in the usual market constructs.
Nevertheless, the bill imposes strict boundaries on access by non-qualified investors. Individuals without qualified status would be allowed to purchase crypto worth up to ₽300,000, or $3,800. The framework would not impose such restrictions on professional market participants. Lawmakers view the differentiation as a measure to safeguard the interests of retail investors and promote market activity.
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Retail Access Comes With Defined Investment Caps
The retail access plan includes a suggested investment cap. Governments feel it is possible to limit the number of transactions to minimize the exposure to market volatility. Additionally, the framework proposes a gradual liberalization rather than a rapid one. Retail investors would be introduced to the market in phases.
In addition to domestic trading, the bill covers international uses. According to Aksakov, digital assets can promote cross-border settlements. The new rules may also involve the placement of the Russian-issued tokens in the foreign markets. These measures are indicative of broader economic factors, rather than retail trading.
Regulators Align on Risk Controls and Oversight
The law is based on previous deliberations by the financial regulators. In December, the Bank of Russia suggested conditional access, which depends on investor awareness. Under that proposal, non-qualified investors would be required to take a risk-awareness test.
Additionally, regulators will continue to regulate anonymous and privacy-oriented digital assets. In the meantime, the existing approach has been determined by the coordination between institutions. Finance Minister Anton Siluanov stated that there is unity within the Finance Ministry and the central bank.
The two bodies advocate for the use of transaction caps to contain systemic risk. They consider restricted involvement as a key to financial security. The draft bill is therefore a compromise in access and control. Lawmakers strive to incorporate cryptocurrencies without putting households at extreme risk. The bill is likely to be introduced to the lawmakers in the spring of the parliamentary session.
Embracing the framework would be a formal introduction of the crypto market in Russia. Retail investors would have access with definite limitations, whereas professionals can have greater freedom. The plan emphasizes a gradual process to control crypto involvement.
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