What happened?
The Russian Central Bank said it will carry out a large-scale audit of the nation’s crypto holdings and transactions in early 2026. It will survey investments, lending to crypto firms, and require monthly reports from the Moscow Exchange and banks on crypto derivatives and volumes. The goal is to collect data to assess risks and shape future regulation of crypto-linked financial products.
Who does this affect?
This affects crypto exchanges, banks that offer crypto derivatives, regulated firms holding crypto for hedging, and companies involved in crypto lending or trading. Individual investors holding crypto-linked products and participants in the bank’s sandbox (like registered miners and cross-border traders) will also face greater scrutiny. Regulators and tax authorities will get more visibility, which could change who is allowed to operate in Russia’s crypto market.
Why does this matter?
The audit could prompt tighter rules or formal frameworks that change how crypto products are offered and traded in Russia, which would affect liquidity and access. In the short term it may unsettle investors and push some activity offshore, while clearer regulation over time could attract institutional capital and stabilize the market. Overall, the move is likely to influence crypto pricing, trading volumes, and the pace of new product launches on Russian venues like the Moscow Exchange.