Putin Signs Crypto Law: Regulated Framework Launches in 2026 with Strict Retail Caps

Woofun AI reports that a formal regulatory architecture for digital assets was enacted in Russia following Vladimir Putin’s signature on bill No. 1194918-8, titled "On Digital Currencies and Digital Rights." The legislation, which received final approval from the State Duma in late July, designates the Bank of Russia as the primary overseer responsible for issuing rules and determining which crypto assets licensed intermediaries may offer.

Structurally, the law mandates that exchanges, brokers, custodians, and other crypto service providers must adhere to strict regulatory requirements and join a financial market self-regulatory organization. Per Woofun AI, this framework ensures that only licensed intermediaries can operate within the newly defined boundaries, creating a closed loop for compliant market participants.

The deeper driver is the bifurcation of investor access, where retail investors are restricted to purchasing approved crypto assets through intermediaries with an annual cap of 300,000 rubles ($3,700) per intermediary. In contrast, qualified investors are permitted to purchase any cryptocurrency without such restrictions, allowing for broader exposure among institutional or high-net-worth entities.

Core provisions of the law take effect on Sept. 1, 2026, while measures regarding non-resident digital depositories will commence on July 1, 2027. The legislation maintains a ban on using crypto assets to pay for goods and services inside Russia, signaling a continued separation between speculative asset holding and domestic monetary circulation.