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Russia is poised to enact stringent regulations on cryptocurrency trading, aiming to curb the mass trade of digital assets like Bitcoin within its borders. This move, driven by geopolitical tensions and sanctions, signals a significant shift in the country's approach to digital finance.
Russia's Cryptocurrency Policy Shift: Centralized Control and Regulatory Uncertainties
In a recent report by CryptoPotato, the government's decision to control the bitcoin industry is a significant step. Only miners and projects sanctioned by the Central Bank will be permitted to operate. Importantly, any creation of cryptocurrency exchanges and over-the-counter (OTC) services outside the experimental legislative framework will be deemed illegal.
Anton Gorelkin, Chairman of the State Duma Committee on the Financial Market, has clarified that he does not support a complete ban on bitcoin circulation in Russia.
In a Telegram post, he clarified that the restriction is not intended to prohibit all Bitcoin use but rather to govern the formation of cryptocurrency exchange platforms within Russia's legal framework.
Gorelkin further claims that geopolitical circumstances, including considerations of international relations impact the establishment of a legitimate Russian crypto infrastructure. He said that allowing such infrastructure would expose Russian enterprises to Western sanctions.
Gorelkin further stated that the limitation may be lifted and that customers can continue to use foreign crypto exchanges and OTC services as previously. However, the impact on several OTC crypto services in Moscow remains undetermined.
Anatoly Aksakov's Agenda: Bolstering Ruble with Stricter Cryptocurrency Regulations
Gorelkin's latest article needs to clarify Anatoly Aksakov, Chairman of the State Duma Committee on the Financial Market, who stated that the controversial measure aims to limit non-Russian cryptocurrency operations to reinforce the ruble's dominance.
Aksakov stated that the law would provide exemptions for crypto miners and Central Bank-backed pilot projects under a trial legal framework, citing that crypto mining contributes significantly to Russia's tax revenue.
Meanwhile, Russia's Finance Minister, Anton Siluanov, has urged for a more balanced approach, arguing for regulation permitting the use of cryptocurrencies in local and foreign transactions.
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