Bill's Digital Digest

The post Central Bank of Russia eases restrictions, opens mutual funds to crypto investments appeared com. Key Takeaways What new changes is the Central Bank introducing? The CBR is easing rules so mutual funds can invest up to 10% in crypto-linked derivatives, giving qualified investors more access to digital assets. Can Russian residents use crypto for daily payments? No. Crypto payments inside Russia remain strictly banned, and the rule is not changing. Russia’s relationship with crypto has swung between crackdowns and cautious acceptance, and its latest moves show that this balancing act is far from over. After first pushing in 2022 to block all crypto issuance, trading, and mining over concerns about financial stability and monetary sovereignty, the country has since shifted to a more selective approach. Bank of Russia’s recent move may surprise you Now, in a surprising turn, the central bank is preparing to ease rules on crypto-linked mutual funds. This may be a sign that Russia isn’t shutting the door on digital assets entirely, but instead tightening how and where they can operate. Russia’s latest regulatory push shows a country trying to open the door to crypto investments, while keeping a tight grip on how far that door swings. The Central Bank of Russia (CBR), once the strongest critic of digital assets, is now easing rules to give qualified investors broader access to crypto-linked products. Its newest draft regulation removes long-standing barriers that prevented mutual funds from investing in instruments tied to cryptocurrencies. Under the proposal, funds will be allowed to allocate up to 10% of their portfolios to derivatives that track digital-asset prices. The initiative is part of a wider effort to expand the list of financial instruments available to retail mutual funds. The CBR highlighted that these changes were shaped through consultations with industry players, and it is seeking public feedback until 9 December. What does this tell us about Russia’s. Continue reading Central Bank of Russia eases restrictions, opens mutual funds to crypto investments→