The Central Bank of Russia supports the legal framework for cryptocurrencies for foreign trade.

The Central Bank of Russia is preparing to legalize cryptocurrency exchanges under strict state control — marking a significant turning point in policy. This move aims to regulate transactions between the ruble and digital currencies, curb financial crime, and pave the way to limit international trade using digital assets.

Economic sanctions and being excluded from the Western banking system have led Moscow to change its stance. Deputy Governor Vladimir Chistyukhin believes that the establishment of a legal framework will replace spontaneous “cryptocurrency exchange counters” and help monitor the flow of money more transparently. Finance Minister Anton Siluanov also supports legalization, but this framework is primarily aimed at businesses and professional investors. Russia sees this as a survival solution rather than innovation, holding absolute control over the crypto market.