IMG-LOGO

Russia’s Finance Ministry Submits Bill to Legalize Crypto Investments, Ban Payments

News Feed - 2022-02-23 12:02:32

Russia’s Finance Ministry Submits Bill to Legalize Crypto Investments, Ban Payments


Russian Ministry of Finance has prepared and submitteda new bill to expand crypto regulations to the government. The law “On Digital Currency” aims to introduce rules for investment in cryptocurrencies while at the same time cementing a ban on their use in payments. Draft Law ‘On Digital Currency’ to Regulate Crypto Turnover in Russia


The Ministry of Finance of the Russian Federation has presented to the federal government in Moscow legislation tailored to fill the regulatory gaps in the country’s crypto space, remaining after last year’s enforcement of the law “On Digital Financial Assets.” According to an announcement published this week, the draft law “On Digital Currency” has been filed with the White House on Friday, Feb. 18.


The Treasury Department and the Central Bank of Russia (CBR) were tasked by the government to develop the new legal framework together. However, as the two institutions have supported opposing approaches, last week the ministry suggested the adoption of two laws to regulate the crypto market while media reports revealed the monetary authority had been working on its own bills to implement its proposal for a wide-ranging ban on crypto activities.


Minfin’s legislation is based on its regulatory concept, approved by the executive power earlier this month. Most other regulators and relevant government bodies have also sided with its view that the industry needs regulation, not a blanket ban.


Under the new law, the use of cryptocurrencies as a means of payment will remain prohibited, one of the few common positions with the CBR, and they will be regarded mainly as an investment tool. The ministry confirmed it had received Bank of Russia’s legislative amendments, noting that those which don’t contradict its approach will be considered. New Bill to Impose Mandatory Identification of Cryptocurrency Investors


The bill introduces requirements for crypto exchanges and other platforms involved in the turnover of digital currencies. These will be added to a special register of digital asset operators. Service providers will have to meet certain standards pertaining to corporate governance, information storage and reporting, internal audit, risk management, and available capital. The entities will be licensed and supervised by an authorized body and foreign exchanges will be obliged to establish a presence in Russia.


According to the Finance Ministry’s document, only customers who pass identification should be allowed to purchase and sell cryptocurrencies. Furthermore, deposits and withdrawals for crypto platforms will be made only through traditional financial institutions. “Thus, the identification of customers will be carried out both by [crypto] operators when accepting customers and by banks when opening a bank account,” the department elaborated, adding that banks and crypto firms will notify the Rosfinmonitoring watchdog about suspicious transactions.


Crypto exchanges will also have to inform citizens about the risks associated with the acquisition of digital assets. Non-qualified investors will be able to buy up to 600,000 rubles’ worth of cryptocurrency a year (approx. $7,600) only after passing an online test. Otherwise, the annual limit will be just 50,000 rubles (a little over $600). No such restrictions are envisaged for qualified investors and legal entities.


Minfin has also thought about the status of crypto mining, defining it as an activity aimed at obtaining cryptocurrency. While Bank of Russia has suggested that it should be banned, officials in Moscow and energy-rich Russian regions have called for recognizing it as an economic activity which would allow the government to tap into its profits. In January, President Putin highlighted the country’s “competitive advantages” in regards to the minting of digital currencies. Tags in this story ban, Bank of Russia, bill, Bitcoin Payments, Central Bank, Crypto, crypto assets, crypto investment, crypto payments, Cryptocurrencies, Cryptocurrency, Digital Assets, Digital Currency, draft law, finance ministry, Law, legalization, Legislation, Regulation, Regulations, Russia, russian


Do you expect the Russian parliament to support the finance ministry’s draft law “On Digital Currency?” Tell us in the comments section below. Lubomir Tassev


Lubomir Tassev is a journalist from tech-savvy Eastern Europe who likes Hitchens’s quote: “Being a writer is what I am, rather than what I do.” Besides crypto, blockchain and fintech, international politics and economics are two other sources of inspiration. Grayscale Investments Asks Investors to Help Convince SEC to Approve Bitcoin Spot ETF REGULATION | 6 hours ago Report: Chinese Customs Authority Confiscates 49 Old ASIC Antminers REGULATION | 15 hours ago


Image Credits: Shutterstock, Pixabay, Wiki Commons Previous articleBitcoin, Ethereum Technical Analysis: ETH Finds Temporary Support, After Hitting 3-Week Low Next articleGrayscale Investments Asks Investors to Help Convince SEC to Approve Bitcoin Spot ETF Disclaimer: This article is for informational purposes only. It is not a direct offer or solicitation of an offer to buy or sell, or a recommendation or endorsement of any products, services, or companies. Bitcoin.com does not provide investment, tax, legal, or accounting advice. Neither the company nor the author is responsible, directly or indirectly, for any damage or loss caused or alleged to be caused by or in connection with the use of or reliance on any content, goods or services mentioned in this article. Read disclaimerShow comments More Popular NewsIn Case You Missed ItIndia Won"t Legalize or Ban Crypto at This Stage, Finance Minister Confirms


India"s finance minister has revealed the current status of crypto policy in India, including whether crypto will be legalized or banned in the country. The question surrounding the legitimacy of cryptocurrency was raised in parliament after the government announced that ... read more.Students Mining Crypto in Dorms May Face Criminal Prosecution in Russia, Lawyer Says PUBG Developer Parent Company Krafton to Work On NFT and Metaverse Related Projects McDonald’s Trademark Filings Hint at Fast Food Giant"s Intent to Produce Metaverse Restaurants Fintech Specialists Predict Ethereum Price Hitting $6,500 This Year Before Rising to $26,338 by 2030