The Bank of Russia will require prospective crypto buyers to pass a knowledge test before executing regulated transactions on domestic platforms.

Launch and administration

According to the central bank, testing is planned to start this month and will be administered by brokers offering crypto access to clients.

Test results will be recognised across regulated market participants, eliminating the need for investors to retake the exam at each intermediary.

Purpose and content of the exam

The assessment aims to confirm that an investor understands the specific nature of digital assets and the risks associated with them.

Questions will cover volatility of digital assets, their circulation features, and how they differ from traditional financial instruments.

Successful completion will demonstrate risk awareness but will not confer the legal status of a qualified investor.

Permitted assets, limits and timing

On the initial stage, non‑qualified investors will be allowed to buy BTC, ETH and USDT with a limit of ₽300 000 per year through a single intermediary.

Qualified investors will be able to purchase other cryptocurrencies without a monetary limit, though the test will remain mandatory for them as well.

Exchanges may admit the specified assets to public circulation from 17.11, and the first regulated crypto operations are expected to begin from 01.12.