Russia's Finance Ministry and Central Bank are preparing to launch a crypto exchange exclusively for 'highly-qualified' investors. Finance Minister Anton Siluanov stated that this initiative aims to legalize crypto assets and bring operations out of the shadows. The proposal, introduced in March, falls under an experimental legal regime allowing crypto trading. To qualify as a ‘highly-qualified’ investor, individuals must have investments exceeding 100 million rubles (about $1.2 million) or an annual income surpassing 50 million rubles ($600,000). Currently, the lack of a domestic exchange forces many Russians to use overseas platforms for crypto transactions. Additionally, the Central Bank is considering allowing these investors to trade derivatives and securities linked to digital assets. This move signifies a significant shift in Russia's approach to cryptocurrency regulation, potentially allowing local investors to engage in digital asset trading in a controlled environment.

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