Russia Plans to Ban Public Cryptocurrency Use: What to Know

Russia will implement strict regulations on the general circulation of cryptocurrencies like Bitcoin, starting September 1, according to Anatoly Aksakov, Chairman of the State Duma Committee on the Financial Market. Aksakov will spearhead this policy change, marking a significant effort by the Russian government to exert control over the cryptocurrency landscape 

The forthcoming legislation is designed to curtail the use of non-Russian digital assets, promoting the ruble as the primary currency within the nation. Aksakov emphasized the necessity of these measures, stating, 

"Digital financial assets issued in Russian jurisdiction, and digital rubles will be allowed. The need for a ban is due to the fact that today cryptocurrency is a quasi-currency that replaces the ruble in the country. But only the Russian ruble fulfills the mission of the monetary unit, so this decision has been made."

Legislative Details and Exceptions

While the new policy introduces severe restrictions, it notably carves out exceptions for specific activities within the cryptocurrency sector. The bill does not outright ban cryptocurrencies but instead targets the creation of crypto exchanges and other platforms facilitating cryptocurrency transactions outside the scope of a new experimental legal regime. 

Anton Gorelkin, a member of the State Duma, clarified:

“Of course, the circulation of cryptocurrencies will not be banned. The creation of exchanges outside the zone of the experimental legal regime will fall under the ban.”

Crypto mining, a significant contributor to Russia's tax revenues, will also see tailored exceptions. Crypto miners in Russia generated over $2.59 billion in liquidity for foreign trade settlements, underscoring the economic importance of this sector, Statista reported.

Policy Debates and Divergent Views

The policy has ignited a internal debate among Russian policymakers. 

Artem Kiryanov, Deputy Chairman of the State Duma Committee on Economic Policy, stressed the importance of precise, clear regulations, codified digitally to ensure consistent judicial enforcement. 

In contrast, Russia’s Finance Minister, Anton Siluanov, advocates for a moderated stance that would enable the use of cryptocurrencies in both domestic and international transactions, potentially easing the strictures of the new law.

Meanwhile, Elvira Nabiullina, Head of the Bank of Russia, supports the experimental use of cryptocurrencies in international settlements, indicating a possible softening in certain areas of the financial landscape.

Report from the US Department of Treasury indicate that Russian entities have procured military technology components using cryptocurrencies, particularly Tether's USDT. 

Global Context and Market Impact

The cryptocurrency market has experienced volatility influenced by regulatory changes worldwide. Notably, China’s blanket ban on cryptocurrencies and mining significantly impacted the global market. 

However, Russia's cryptocurrency market, smaller in comparison to China's during its peak, is unlikely to provoke a similarly dramatic global effect due to the planned restrictions.