Russian Cryptocurrency Law: How Russia Controls Digital Assets

When working with Russian cryptocurrency law, the legal framework that governs crypto activity in Russia, including registration, taxation, anti‑money‑laundering (AML) rules and the state‑issued digital ruble. Also known as Russia crypto regulation, it shapes everything from how you report gains to whether an exchange can operate. Russian cryptocurrency law sits alongside crypto tax, the set of income‑tax and value‑added‑tax obligations that apply to crypto trades, staking rewards and mining earnings in Russia. It also requires compliance with AML regulations, mandatory customer‑due‑diligence, transaction monitoring and reporting standards designed to prevent illicit finance in the crypto sector. Finally, the law incorporates the digital ruble, the central bank’s blockchain‑based version of the national currency, which is treated as a legal tender and subject to its own set of rules. These entities interlock: AML rules influence tax reporting, the digital ruble creates new licensing needs, and exchange licensing ties the whole system together.

Key Areas Covered in Russian Crypto Regulation

First, any crypto‑exchange that wants to serve Russian users must obtain a license from the Central Bank. That licensing process checks capital adequacy, security safeguards and AML compliance. Without a license, an exchange is forced to block Russian IP addresses, which can cripple its user base. Second, tax reporting has become more granular. Since 2022, individuals must declare crypto income on their annual tax return, using the market value in rubles on the day of the transaction. Companies face corporate tax on profits from crypto‑related activities and must keep detailed logs for at least five years. Third, AML enforcement has tightened. KYC (Know‑Your‑Customer) is mandatory for all wallet providers, and suspicious‑activity reports must be filed within a 24‑hour window for large transfers. Fourth, the digital ruble adds a layer of state control: payments made with the digital ruble are recorded on a permissioned ledger, giving regulators real‑time visibility while still allowing private‑key ownership for users. Understanding how these pieces fit together helps investors avoid fines, choose compliant platforms, and plan tax‑efficient strategies.

With this background, you’ll see why each article in the collection below focuses on a specific angle of Russian crypto law—whether it’s a deep dive into tax filing, a step‑by‑step guide to exchange licensing, or an analysis of the digital ruble’s impact on DeFi. The next sections break down practical tips, real‑world examples, and the latest compliance updates, so you can navigate the regulatory landscape with confidence.