Russian State Duma Adopts Law Banning Payments With Digital Financial Assets

The lower house of Russian parliament has adopted a law prohibiting the use of digital financial assets in payments. To implement the restriction, exchange operators have been obliged to reject transactions which make it possible to employ these assets as a means of payment. Russian Parliament Approves Legislation Preventing Digital Financial Asset Payments The majority … Read more

Roskomnadzor Media Watchdog Unblocks Leading Russian Crypto News Outlet

Russia’s mass media regulator, Roskomnadzor, has restored access to a major Russian crypto news portal. Bits.media was recently blocked as a result of proceedings in a regional court that its representatives were not even summoned to attend. Crypto News Site Bits.media Again Available to Russian Readers as Roskomnadzor Delists It Bits.media, the source for crypto-related … Read more

Demand for Hardware Crypto Wallets Increases Amid Currency Restrictions in Russia

Hardware wallets designed to securely store cryptocurrency have seen a several-fold increase this spring in Russia, on the backdrop of currency restrictions introduced amid foreign sanctions. Ledger and Tangem have been the most popular products on the market, a media report revealed. Russians Buy More Hardware Crypto Wallets, Market Players Say Russian crypto users have … Read more

Mining Ban Sparks Negative Reactions From Iran’s Crypto Community

The recently reintroduced seasonal ban on cryptocurrency mining has provoked backlash from the local crypto community. This week, the country’s power distribution company ordered miners to suspend activities citing electricity shortages during the hot summer months. Restrictions on Crypto Mining Are Ousting Iran From Global Coin Minting Industry, Critics Say After last year crypto miners … Read more

Cryptocurrency Exchange Uphold Leaves Venezuela Due to US Sanctions

Uphold, a New York-based cryptocurrency exchange, has announced it is closing its operations in Venezuelan markets. The company, which has already had problems with users in the country in the past — shutting down accounts and requiring KYC controls that some users deemed excessive — declares that the exit from Venezuela has to do with … Read more

Russia to Trial Digital Ruble Settlements for Real Estate Deals

The Central Bank of Russia and participating commercial banks want to test various types of payments with the digital ruble, the Russian press reported. The plan is to experiment with smart contracts and transactions related to real estate and crypto asset purchases. Bank of Russia to Launch Smart Contracts on Digital Ruble Platform Russia’s central … Read more

Iran to Shut Down Crypto Mining Farms Amid Record High Power Demand

Authorities in Iran plan to unplug licensed crypto mining facilities as electricity consumption in the country is reaching record highs. The mining farms will be cut off from the grid on Wednesday, the Islamic Republic’s Ministry of Energy announced. Legal Crypto Miners in Iran to Halt Operations Again Due to Electricity Shortages Authorized crypto mining … Read more

Russia Developing Sandbox for Cross-border Crypto Payments

An institute facilitating Russian exports is now working on the establishment of a sandbox for international crypto payments, local media reported. The goal is to identify potential regulatory and technological challenges for settlements with digital assets. Russia Prepares to Test Crypto Payments for Exports in Dedicated Sandbox The Russian Export Center (REC), which is a … Read more

Russia Considers Using Cryptocurrencies for International Settlements

Authorities in Russia are mulling over the possible use of digital currencies for international payments, a high-ranking official from the finance ministry has indicated. If recognized as property, he noted, cryptocurrency can be utilized in barter deals with foreign partners. Finance Ministry Suggests Russia May Employ Crypto in International Trade The possibility of using cryptocurrencies … Read more

Russian Crypto Mining Giant Bitriver Considers Challenging US Sanctions

Russia’s Bitriver, one of the largest operators of crypto mining data centers, may take legal action against the U.S. over the decision to place it under sanctions. The company insists it does not help the Russian government to circumvent international restrictions. Bitriver Rejects US Accusations as Unfounded, Sees No Legal Ground for Sanctions Leading Russian … Read more