Russia is about to open up to cryptocurrencies, and this time it's not a rumor—it's a real change in regulations.

The biggest change is here: in mid-January, Aksaakov, head of the Financial Market Committee of the Russian State Duma, announced that a bill has been prepared and is expected to pass by spring 2026. The core of this bill is to move cryptocurrencies out of the category of "special financial assets" and turn them into regular investment tools accessible to the general public.

It sounds simple, but the impact is significant. Previously, cryptocurrencies were treated as special assets, with a sense of "dangerous goods," and ordinary people faced restrictions on legal participation. Once the bill is passed, it will be different—BTC, ETH, and similar assets will be classified as "common payment tools" and "investment products," giving non-qualified investors (that is, us ordinary folks) the opportunity to get involved.

But opening up is still limited. To protect novice investors, the total annual purchase limit for individuals is set at around 300,000 rubles, approximately $3,800. Professional investors, however, do not have this cap.

Risk control is also carefully considered. The proposal from the Russian Central Bank is that ordinary investors must pass a "risk awareness test" before they start trading—similar to a driving test—to ensure they understand the volatility of the crypto market, not to encourage gambling. According to the plan, ordinary investors will only be able to trade the most liquid and relatively less risky cryptocurrencies.

Ultimately, this is Russia's strategic move under economic pressure—aiming to cope with the financial difficulties caused by international sanctions while gradually building a compliant cryptocurrency ecosystem. From "special assets" to "regular tools," this transition reflects the growing global acceptance of cryptocurrencies and the evolution of regulatory approaches worldwide.