Crypto News: Russia Schedules Final Readings for Crypto Bill on July 22

Russia’s State Duma plans second and third readings of a broad crypto regulation bill on July 21, 2026. Lawmakers will review draft bill No. 1194918-8, titled “On Digital Currencies and Digital Rights.” The proposal sets rules for trading, custody, investor access, and foreign trade settlements.

If approved through the remaining legislative process, the main provisions could take effect on Sept. 1, 2026. The proposal still requires approval from the Federation Council and President Vladimir Putin before becoming law.

Crypto News: State Duma Sets Final Vote Schedule

Financial Markets Committee chairman Anatoly Aksakov confirmed the July 21 schedule during a press conference. He said lawmakers plan to consider the proposal in its second and third readings on the same day. The State Duma approved the bill in its first reading in April.

The vote will not complete the full legislative process. The Federation Council must review the measure before President Vladimir Putin can sign it into law. The current text also gives government agencies time to prepare supporting rules before the planned September launch. This crypto news development follows several months of negotiations between lawmakers, the Bank of Russia, and market participants.

Bill Sets Investor Limits and Licensed Access

The proposal classifies cryptocurrency as property and creates a regulated market for Russian residents. The crypto news does not make Bitcoin, Ether, or other digital assets legal tender. Russian businesses and consumers cannot use crypto to pay for ordinary goods and services inside the country.

Non-qualified investors could buy up to 300,000 rubles in crypto through one licensed intermediary each year. They could transfer up to 100,000 rubles abroad under the proposed limits. Qualified investors could purchase up to 3 million rubles and transfer up to 1 million rubles outside Russia. Brokers, exchanges, crypto exchangers, and digital depositories would operate under Bank of Russia supervision.

Foreign Trade Receives Broader Crypto Access

The bill gives companies involved in foreign trade wider access to digital currencies. Russian importers and exporters could settle approved contracts through domestic or foreign infrastructure. They could also use different wallets, cryptocurrencies, and stablecoins after registering the relevant contract with a bank.

Aksakov said the framework aims to reduce unnecessary legal barriers for businesses supplying goods to Russia. The draft builds on an experimental system that already allows selected companies to test crypto settlements for international trade. Russia continues expanding regulated alternatives for cross-border payments while preserving the domestic payment ban.

Crypto Bill Adds Transfers and Asset Protection

Lawmakers revised several sections before the second reading. The new text allows licensed platforms to support crypto-to-crypto exchanges and certain non-public transactions involving securities or digital rights. It also permits users to pay blockchain network fees with cryptocurrency. Public offers involving crypto and securities would still face limits.

Users only need to report their crypto balances and transaction activity, while their wallet addresses remain private. This crypto news measure also requires intermediaries to compensate clients when they fail to apply required safeguards.

Also, the crypto bill sets minimum capital requirements for licensed crypto exchangers and gives regulators power to approve eligible assets. Current market and trading thresholds could initially favor Bitcoin and Ether. The Bank of Russia could temporarily admit other assets for public trading. Qualified investors could receive broader access through regulated venues.

This article is for informational purposes only and does not constitute legal, regulatory, or investment advice. The legislation discussed remains subject to further approval, amendment, and implementation. Readers should refer to official Russian legislative publications for the final enacted provisions.

Lawmakers will decide the bill’s next stage during the scheduled July 21 readings. The final framework may start on September 1, although separate enforcement provisions could follow later.