Bank of Russia First Deputy Chairman Vladimir Chistyukhin proposed limited crypto access for retail investors, restricted to highly liquid assets to contain risk.

This is a clear shift from March 2025, when crypto exposure was reserved only for investors holding 100M+ rubles (~$1.1M). Sanctions pressure and cross-border payment needs are forcing pragmatism.

If implemented, retail access could lift Bitcoin demand locally and place Russia closer to the global trend of regulated adoption, not bans.

Unqualified investors could buy highly liquid coins like #Bitcoin after testing, with annual limits (300K RUB). Qualified people get broader access.  

Big shift amid sanctions crypto as investment, not payments. Bullish for adoption.

This would expand access, deepen liquidity and signal a more pragmatic regulatory approach, balancing investor protection with growing demand for digital assets.