Russia’s Security Council pushes for innovative crypto rules

The important topic of cryptocurrency regulation in Russia has reached the nation’s Security Council, which now urges for an innovative approach in this area.

After experimenting with crypto transactions and investments within a dedicated legal regime this year, Russian authorities are now intent to adopt comprehensive rules in 2026.

Security Council commission highlights need for innovations in crypto regulation

The Interdepartmental Commission on Public Security at the Security Council of the Russian Federation has emphasized on the need for innovative legislation to address issues stemming from the circulation of cryptocurrencies in the country.

Its members have put forward a set of additional measures to achieve that, which have been drafted at a recent meeting, Russian media reported, quoting the Council’s press service.

The proposals particularly focus on boosting the fight against organized crime using information and telecommunications technologies, the Interfax news agency reveled on Tuesday.

“Tasks have been set to improve interdepartmental cooperation in combating crimes committed by organized groups and criminal organizations, and to prevent and suppress the involvement of minors,” the commission explained.

At the same time, its press release further stressed:

“The importance of introducing innovations to criminal and criminal procedural legislation, providing for the criminalization of certain acts using digital technologies and the regulation of cryptocurrency circulation issues, was noted.”

In the same regard, the commission also put an emphasis on the needed strengthening of international cooperation in combating high-tech crimes.

“Specific solutions have been developed to improve the prevention of illegal activities by leaders and members of criminal groups serving time in prison,” the report detailed.

The Security Council of the Russian Federation (SCRF) is a consultative body supporting decision-making in the Kremlin on national security and strategic matters.

It’s formed by top officials, including the heads of defense and security agencies, and is chaired by Russian President Vladimir Putin, who coordinate to determine Russia’s policy in the field.

Russian crypto regulations expected in the coming months

The authorities in Moscow have gradually acknowledged the need to properly regulate cryptocurrencies, the importance of which has been growing against the backdrop of sanctions that are significantly limiting Russian access to traditional financial channels.

Mining became the country’s first regulated crypto activity, after the adoption of a dedicated law last year, although a number of issues such as the illegal use of electricity to mint digital coins and the low percentage of registrations among miners are yet to be resolved.

The sector was recently recognized as Russia’s new “hidden export,” big enough to influence the domestic currency market and exchange rates, and significant enough to be added to the nation’s balance of payments, as reported by Cryptopolitan.

In March of this year, the Central Bank of Russia (CBR) proposed an “experimental legal regime” (ELR) allowing Russian companies to use cryptocurrencies in cross-border payments and permitting “highly qualified” investors to acquire digital assets. In May, it authorized the offering of crypto derivatives.

In October, the monetary authority urged lawmakers to adopt legislation thoroughly regulating crypto investments beyond the framework of the ELR.

In December, the head of the Financial Markets Committee at the State Duma, Anatoly Aksakov, announced that Russian deputies will focus on that during the spring session to get it done by the end of 2026 at the latest.

This will allow them to then prepare and approve other necessary changes, such as amendments introducing administrative and criminal liability for illegal operations with decentralized digital currencies like Bitcoin (BTC), likely to take effect the following year.

Earlier this week, Aksakov stated that while cryptocurrency will never be accepted as a means of payment in Russia, where the ruble is the only legal tender by law, crypto assets will certainly serve as investment instruments.

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