Russia permits Bitcoin, Ether and Tether trading on state‑run platforms

Russia’s central bank announced that its official cryptocurrency exchanges will now list three major digital assets: Bitcoin (BTC), Ether (ETH) and Tether (USDT). The move follows a regulatory framework introduced earlier this year that allows licensed financial institutions to provide crypto‑related services, provided they comply with anti‑money‑laundering and counter‑terrorism financing rules. The central bank said the three tokens were chosen because they are the most widely used and have established market liquidity.

The decision expands the range of products available to Russian investors, who have previously been limited to a narrow set of state‑approved tokens. By adding the world’s largest cryptocurrency, the leading smart‑contract platform, and a stablecoin pegged to the US dollar, the exchanges aim to attract both retail and institutional participants seeking exposure to global crypto markets while staying within the country’s legal framework.

Regulators noted that the inclusion of Tether, a stablecoin, is intended to facilitate easier conversion between fiat rubles and digital assets, reducing transaction costs for users. The central bank also emphasized that all trading activity will be monitored in real time to detect suspicious behavior and enforce compliance with existing financial regulations.

The development reflects a broader trend of governments seeking to integrate digital assets into regulated financial systems rather than banning them outright. For the global crypto industry, Russia’s acceptance of major tokens could encourage other jurisdictions to adopt similar licensing models, potentially increasing market legitimacy and cross‑border liquidity.