Putin signs landmark crypto regulation into law

President Vladimir Putin has signed legislation introducing Russia’s first unified regulatory framework for digital currencies and digital rights, establishing legal standards for crypto exchanges, digital asset custodians, mining operations, brokers, and financial market infrastructure providers. The legislation, known as “On Digital Currency and Digital Rights,” was introduced by the Russian government in April 2026, advanced through all three parliamentary readings, and has now been enacted after receiving Putin’s signature. Most of the new rules will take effect from September 1, 2026, while certain provisions will be implemented in 2027. The law sets out eligibility requirements for crypto investors and creates a regulatory regime for the issuance and circulation of digital financial assets (DFAs), with most provisions becoming effective on September 1, 2026. The law requires organizations conducting crypto exchange activities to register with the government and maintain a minimum capital of 15 million rubles ($185,242), while allowing a temporary transition period until July 1, 2027. It continues to prohibit the use of cryptocurrencies as payment for goods and services and ba...