Russia Sets July 2027 Start for Self-Custody Crypto Transfer Ban

Russia’s law will bar individual transfers to and from non-custodial wallets starting in July 2027; rules requiring most crypto transactions by residents to go through authorized intermediaries took effect in September.

The restriction covers transfers both into and out of non-custodial wallets, where owners hold crypto themselves rather than through a licensed service provider. Direct crypto transactions between individuals will also be barred, along with transfers between people using addresses administered by a digital depository.

Most crypto transactions by Russian residents must go through authorized intermediaries, including licensed brokers and registered digital-currency exchanges, under rules that took effect in September. Investors will have to pass a test, while people classified as unqualified will face an annual crypto purchase limit through each intermediary.

The framework still allows Russians to transact in crypto abroad using foreign bank accounts. They can also transfer crypto bought in Russia overseas, provided they use regulated intermediaries. The wallet restrictions take effect in July 2027.