Amid international sanctions, Russian firms have turned to cryptocurrencies like Bitcoin and Tether’s USDt for trade with China and India.
Oil companies in particular have embraced digital assets, with some processing millions in monthly transactions through crypto, according to a Reuters report.
While Russia’s finance minister confirmed in late 2024 that Bitcoin could be used in foreign trade, its role in oil deals with China and India was previously undisclosed.
To facilitate these transactions, intermediaries handle offshore accounts and convert payments into crypto before routing funds to Russia, where they are exchanged for rubles. One source suggested that even if sanctions were lifted, crypto would remain a preferred tool due to its efficiency.
Meanwhile, the Bank of Russia is considering allowing wealthy investors to legally access cryptocurrencies, signaling a shift in policy.
Despite China’s strict stance on digital assets, it remains a major player in Bitcoin mining. Observers speculate that as global adoption grows, particularly with U.S. initiatives like a strategic Bitcoin reserve, China may eventually reconsider its approach. Reports suggest the Chinese government could be holding at least 193,000 BTC.
While Russia is looking at ways to expand its reach in the crypto sector a new token emerges that could change the crypto game. BTC Bull Token ($BTCBULL) is a new meme token that brings together two of the strongest ecosystems in the crypto world: Bitcoin and Ethereum.
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BlackRock is ramping up its engagement with U.S. regulators, meeting with the SEC’s Crypto Task Force on May 9 to present its growing suite of digital asset products and to push forward conversations around the evolving regulatory landscape.
Defiance ETFs has proposed four innovative exchange-traded funds (ETFs) that focus on leveraged strategies targeting the price movements of Bitcoin, Ethereum, and gold.
Rootstock, a platform bridging smart contracts with Bitcoin, saw a significant increase in mining activity and network security during early 2025, despite a slowdown in overall usage.
Stripe, the global payments leader, has taken a major step into the world of stablecoins with the introduction of its new feature, Stablecoin Financial Accounts.