Russia announces list of cryptocurrencies authorized for exchange trading

Russia's Central Bank has unveiled a list of cryptocurrencies permitted for public trading on exchanges, featuring Bitcoin, Ethereum, and Tether. This move aims to shield less experienced investors from unpredictable market swings by restricting them to assets with greater liquidity.

Non-qualified investors will be able to purchase up to 300,000 rubles (approximately $3,650) of these digital assets through specialized intermediaries. In contrast, "qualified investors" will have no limitations on acquiring any cryptocurrencies listed on exchanges or other markets.

Before engaging in any transactions, all investors, regardless of their status, must undergo testing and be informed about the risks associated with cryptocurrency investments. This regulatory step follows President Vladimir Putin's enactment of a law on August 4, which governs the circulation of cryptocurrencies in Russia. The new legislation designates digital currencies as property, granting them judicial protection and enabling Russians to invest legally.

Specialized intermediaries, such as trading organizers, brokers, asset managers, and digital currency exchange platforms, are authorized to conduct these digital transactions. Russian companies must possess a capital exceeding 15 million rubles ($185,000) and be registered with the Central Bank to operate. However, companies not on this list can still conduct operations until July 1, 2017. Domestic transactions with cryptocurrencies remain prohibited, meaning they cannot be used for payments for goods or services, and advertising them as a payment method is also forbidden. Exceptions apply to foreign trade contracts, mining rewards, and using cryptocurrencies to purchase shares or digital rights.

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proteger a los inversionistas no calificados de oscilaciones bruscas y poco predecibles de las tasas de cambio de las criptomonedas