Russia allows Bitcoin trading for wealthy investors only

Russia's Central Bank has introduced a new three-year framework allowing qualified investors to trade Bitcoin and other digital assets. This marks a shift from its previous restrictive policies, but access remains limited to high-net-worth individuals and companies. To qualify, individuals must have investments over 100 million rubles (about $1.15 million) or an annual income exceeding 50 million rubles (around $575,000). Companies must also meet specific criteria. Bitcoin is still not legal tender in Russia, and domestic transactions outside this framework are prohibited. This decision follows Western sanctions related to the Ukraine conflict, as Russia seeks alternative financial options. While the new framework may help diversify access to global markets, Bitcoin's adoption remains tightly controlled within a small group of investors.