Russian Central Bank Orders Local Banks to Block Cryptocurrency Transactions
The Russian Central Bank is taking a strong stance against cryptocurrency adoption, intensifying its efforts to limit the use of digital assets within the country. Recent reports indicate that the bank has directed local financial institutions to actively identify and block transactions associated with cryptocurrency activities.
This move aims to further restrict access to the crypto market for Russian citizens. 🇷🇺 Russian Central Bank Issues Guidance that Banks Should Block Crypto-related Activity. The Bank of Russia moved last week to prohibit banks and other regulated entities from facilitating cryptocurrency transactions.
According to sources, the Central Bank has issued specific guidelines instructing banks and e-pay operators to single out accounts and e-wallets. That belongs to “illegal business activities,” for instance, “ cryptocurrency activities,” 13 de sept. de 2025, highlighting the increasingly stringent measures being implemented.
The driving force behind this policy is the Central Bank Governor Elvira Nabiullina, who has consistently advocated for a nationwide crypto ban in Russia. The Russian Central Bank Governor Elvira Nabiullina has renewed her calls for Moscow to issue a nationwide crypto ban, blocking traders from buying and selling coins.
While a complete ban remains debated, the current actions signal a clear preference for restricting cryptocurrency usage. The Central Bank is primarily concerned about the potential risks associated with crypto, including money laundering, financial instability, and the facilitation of illicit activities.
The impact of these restrictions is already being felt across the Russian crypto landscape. Traders and investors are facing increased difficulties in accessing and utilizing digital assets. The crackdown has raised concerns about the future of cryptocurrency within Russia.
Notably, this isn't a solitary effort. The Russian Central Bank has been collaborating with commercial banks nationwide to address this issue. Together, they have successfully blocked numerous transactions suspected of being linked to illegal crypto operations. Furthermore, The Central Bank of Russia has proposed restricting cryptocurrency transactions to particularly qualified investors who possess over RUB 100 million (US$1.1 20 de sept. de 2025, suggesting a tiered approach where only high-net-worth individuals with significant financial resources might be permitted to engage in crypto trading.
The situation remains dynamic, and the long-term effects of these measures are yet to be fully determined. However, the current directive underscores the Russian Central Bank's firm resolve to control and limit the flow of cryptocurrency within the country.