Russia Publishes Digital Depository Rules Ahead of September Crypto Framework
Russia’s central bank is building out the rulebook for a regulated crypto market faster than expected, publishing draft rules for a new type of institution: the digital depository.
What a Digital Depository Would Do
The Bank of Russia’s draft regulations extend existing securities-market rules to digital assets, creating regulated “digital depositories” that would record client crypto ownership and process most transactions off the main blockchain, similar in principle to how conventional securities depositories already operate. These depositories would be supervised through a central register maintained by the Bank of Russia itself.
Capital Requirements and Timeline
Tiered capital requirements would apply depending on the services offered and the types of assets held, ranging from roughly 50 million to 250 million rubles. Russia’s broader crypto regulatory framework is set to take effect on September 1, 2026, with full licensing compliance required by July 1, 2027 — giving institutions a defined runway rather than an open-ended wait.
The legislative groundwork is already moving: Russia’s State Duma approved a comprehensive digital assets regulation bill in its second and third readings on July 21, 2026, a significant step toward the framework actually taking effect on schedule.
| Milestone | Date |
|---|---|
| State Duma approves bill (2nd/3rd reading) | July 21, 2026 |
| Broader crypto framework takes effect | September 1, 2026 |
| Full licensing compliance required | July 1, 2027 |
Banks Are Already Positioning
VTB and T-Bank Group have both announced plans to build their own digital depositories once the law takes effect, and Sberbank, Russia’s largest bank, is separately targeting a December 2026 launch for its own crypto wallet and trading infrastructure. That’s a notable signal: major, already-regulated banks moving to build this infrastructure themselves rather than leaving the space entirely to crypto-native platforms.
How Does Bitcoin Regulation Differ by Country?
Every country is taking a different approach to crypto rules. The Bitcoin Academy has a full country-by-country legal overview.
Disclaimer: The content provided on this page is for informational and educational purposes only and does not constitute financial or investment advice. Cryptocurrency markets are highly volatile and involve significant risk of loss. Always do your own research and consult a licensed financial advisor before making any investment decisions.