Bank of Russia Tests Services Related to Cryptocurrencies

Russia’s central bank has examined three platforms offering crypto-related services. The projects have been tested in its regulatory sandbox in the course of 2020. Bank of Russia has received dozens of requests to pilot various financial services since it created the closed regulatory environment around three years ago. CBR Pilots 3 Crypto Projects in 2020 … Read more

Russian Police Seize 22 Cryptocurrency ATMs in 9 Cities

Law enforcement officials in Russia have seized 22 BATMs installed at stores and restaurants in 9 different cities. The confiscation has been carried out on orders from the Prosecutor’s Office and the Central Bank, local media reported. The operation of crypto teller machines in the country is currently unregulated.   Also read: Kiev’s Bessarabsky Market … Read more

Crypto Incomes Declared on Tax Returns in Russia

Taxpayers in Russia have started declaring incomes and profits from crypto transactions even before cryptocurrencies are legalized in the country, results from this year’s tax campaign show. The Finance Ministry has again clarified the applicable tax rules, while the State Duma is still fine-tuning the upcoming regulations. Also read: Russian Railways Eyes Crypto for Tickets, … Read more

Chinese Merchants in Moscow Convert Most of Their Cash to Crypto

Chinese traders in Moscow’s huge wholesale bazaars have become the most active buyers and sellers of cryptocurrency in the Russian capital. The retail turnover there is estimated at almost $10 billion a month. Authorities say that most of it is converted to cryptocurrencies and sent back to China where it‘s exchanged to yuan.    Also … Read more

Bill “On Digital Assets” Filed in the Duma, Disagreements Resolved

The draft-law “On digital financial assets” aimed at regulating crypto-related matters in Russia has been officially filed in the State Duma on Tuesday. Disagreements between the Central Bank and the Ministry of Finance have been resolved, according to Deputy Finance Minister Alexei Moiseev. The CBR will have the final say in regards to the circulation … Read more

Vladivostok Discussed as Russia’s New ”Crypto Hub”

Bankers and government officials have discussed the possible creation of a crypto valley on Russia’s Pacific coast. Representatives of the Central Bank and the executive power in Moscow have taken part in the consultations initiated by the Fund for Development of the Far East. The city of Vladivostok, where local authorities want to allow cryptocurrency … Read more

Centralized Cryptoruble Not Possible, Minister Tells Putin

The Russian Ministry of Finance is not against a national cryptocurrency, provided the state does not participate in it. The creation of a centralized coin, like the cryptoruble, seems impossible, as cryptocurrencies are based on decentralized ledgers, Finance Minister Anton Siluanov told President Putin, according to Russian media.   Also read: Russian Authorities Criticized over … Read more

Russia’s Longest-Serving Finance Minister Backs Crypto “Self-Regulation”

Former Russian Finance Minister Alexei Kudrin favors “self-regulation” in the cryptocurrency sector. He believes it will be more effective, at this early stage, than any imposed regulations. Others have expressed similar views about the currently proposed regime. Kudrin shared his opinion on social media, commenting on the latest developments in the crypto debate. The longtime … Read more