Russia is reportedly considering allowing Bitcoin and cryptocurrency trading for select investors as part of efforts to boost international crypto settlements amid ongoing geopolitical challenges.
Previously, Moscow had proposed banning crypto trading and mining, with recent bills seeking to restrict domestic cryptocurrency exchange operations.
Now, the Russian Finance Ministry aims to permit Bitcoin and other cryptocurrencies for specific investor categories, proposing legislation for regulating crypto mining and digital asset settlements.
Additionally, they suggest allowing foreign economic activity participants to utilize crypto for settlements, treating them akin to currency.
Registered exchanges would handle crypto trading, limiting access to certain investors, while the Central Bank of Russia still restricts crypto for payments domestically.
Recent proposals also include legalizing stablecoins for international settlements, potentially bolstering Russia’s economic resilience against sanctions.
Institutional interest in crypto appears to be reigniting, with U.S.-based spot Bitcoin and Ethereum ETFs collectively pulling in over $1 billion in net inflows on Thursday—marking their strongest daily performance since January.
Strive Asset Management, co-founded by entrepreneur Vivek Ramaswamy, is taking a strategic approach to growing its Bitcoin holdings—by acquiring distressed crypto claims rather than buying directly from the market.
Bitcoin marked a new all-time high of $111,861 on Bitcoin Pizza Day, but beyond the headline, data suggests this rally is still gaining steam — not cooling off.
Mike Novogratz, the head of Galaxy Digital, believes the current state of the U.S. economy—and shifting attitudes in Washington—are creating ideal conditions for Bitcoin and the broader crypto market.