The largest Russian exchanges have openly stated their readiness to launch cryptocurrency trading. However, market participants will only be able to do this after clear rules emerge.
The statements were made against the backdrop of the Central Bank publishing the concept for regulating the digital assets market. They fit into the roadmap for legalizing crypto investments in Russia.
Exchanges are ready, but are waiting for laws
The Moscow Exchange and SPB Exchange confirmed that they support the Central Bank's approach and are ready to launch cryptocurrency trading as soon as it becomes legal.
The Moscow Exchange is already working on solutions for the future crypto market and hopes to rely on the existing trading, clearing, and settlement infrastructure.
SPB Exchange announced its technological readiness. The platform supports the idea of a transparent and regulated cryptocurrency market and is ready to participate in the formation of new infrastructure.
In essence, both exchanges are saying the same thing: technically they are ready, now it is up to the legislation.
Why such statements have appeared just now
The reason is simple — the Central Bank presented a concept for cryptocurrency regulation. The document describes how the legal market should operate and what restrictions will appear on it.
This position aligns with the previously outlined roadmap of the regulator:
2026 — adoption of the main law and launch of licensing for market participants;
2027 — introduction of liability for illegal circulation of crypto assets.
Exchanges have effectively confirmed that they are ready by these deadlines.
What the Central Bank offers in simple terms
The Central Bank proposes:
to recognize cryptocurrencies and stablecoins as monetary values;
to allow their purchase and sale in Russia;
to maintain a ban on settlements in cryptocurrency within the country.
All operations must take place only through legal financial infrastructure with mandatory identification of participants. Foreign operations are also allowed, but with notification of tax authorities. At the same time, the development of the digital financial assets market is planned.
Also read: In Russia, the number of mining farms increased by almost 50% over the year: the market has strengthened, but the load on the energy sector is growing
Who will be able to trade cryptocurrency on the Moscow Exchange and SPB Exchange
Cryptocurrency trading will not be available to everyone. The Central Bank proposes to divide access depending on the investor's status.
Those who will be able to buy cryptocurrency on Russian exchanges:
qualified investors — with broader opportunities, but without access to anonymous coins and with mandatory testing;
"super-qualifiers" and the largest professional investors — with maximally expanded opportunities.
For unqualified investors, the market will either be significantly restricted or completely closed. Even with potential access, it may only involve the most liquid assets and with strict limits.
Also read: Ministry of Finance: 20 million Russians use cryptocurrency — the country needs its own infrastructure
When to expect the launch of trading
The Central Bank plans to prepare the legislative framework by mid-2026. It is then that the Moscow Exchange and SPB Exchange will have the legal grounds to launch cryptocurrency trading.
And starting in 2027, it is planned to introduce liability for illegal crypto services, which will finally take the market out of the 'gray zone.'
If the schedule does not change, legal trading of cryptocurrencies on the largest Russian exchanges may appear around mid-2026 — primarily for qualified investors.
Recall that earlier BeInCrypto's editorial team wrote about the results of a study that revealed how well Russians understand cryptocurrency.
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