87% of Russians Aware of Cryptocurrency, 42% Familiar With Hamster Kombat, Survey Shows

A survey by the All-Russian Public Opinion Research Center reveals high awareness of cryptocurrency among Russians but limited knowledge of the Telegram game Hamster Kombat. Despite 87% being aware of cryptocurrency, only 42% know of Hamster Kombat. The game’s popularity is mainly among young, tech-savvy Telegram users, with a significant gap between awareness and active … Read more

Russia to Enact a Ban on Domestic Operations Of Cryptocurrency Exchanges

Russia is preparing to enact a ban on the organization of cryptocurrency exchanges in the country via the approval of a bill that regulates mining activities. According to statements made by Russian Duma Financial Market Chairman Anatoly Aksakov, digital financial assets like the digital ruble will be allowed to circulate. State Duma to Enact Ban … Read more

Tax Authority Slated to Become Main Crypto Regulator in Russia

Russia’s tax administration is going to be tasked with overseeing the crypto industry in the country, a high-ranking government official has indicated. According to the regulatory concept that’s currently under consideration, the revenue service will also serve as an entry point for market participants. Russians to Report Crypto Holdings and Transactions to Their Tax Service … Read more

Russian Companies ‘Actively’ Using Crypto, Russia to Adopt 4 Relevant Laws, Official Says

Russian lawmakers intend to soon approve four bills designed to regulate various aspects of cryptocurrencies, a high-ranking member of the Russian parliament announced. Meanwhile, Russian companies are already using digital assets in cross-border settlements, the official noted. Russian Legislature to Vote on Crypto Laws by End of July The State Duma, the lower house of … Read more

Russia May Take Up 18% of Bitcoin Hashrate in Next Big Migration of Crypto Miners, Experts Say

Increasing regulatory pressures, tax burden and energy costs in countries like the U.S. and Kazakhstan are likely to result in a new great migration of crypto miners, Russian analysts believe. Under such a scenario, Russia has what it takes to occupy up to 18% of the global bitcoin hashrate, they claim. Russia May Attract Half … Read more

Digital Assets for 1 Billion Rubles Issued in Russia in a Month

Platforms authorized by the Russian government issued digital assets worth around a billion rubles in April, the local press reported. The spike in the volume has been attributed to Russian companies experimenting with new financial instruments amid limited access to traditional capital. Russia’s Digital Assets Market Livens Up as Capital Markets Dry Up for Russian … Read more

Binance Reportedly Investigated in US for Russia Sanctions Violations

Cryptocurrency exchange Binance is facing a U.S. probe over suspected violations of sanctions against Russia, according to a media report. The inquiry is looking into whether the trading platform was used by Russians to circumvent financial restrictions imposed over Moscow’s invasion of Ukraine. Crypto Exchange Binance Faces Another US Probe, Sources Say The U.S. Department … Read more

Push to Use National Currencies in SCO Cannot Be Stopped, Russia’s Lavrov Says

Efforts to transition to trade in national currencies in the Shanghai Cooperation Organization (SCO) can no longer be stopped, according to Russian Foreign Minister Sergey Lavrov. During a meeting with his colleagues in India, Moscow’s top diplomat also discussed the similar initiative within BRICS. Sergey Lavrov Convinced SCO Countries Will Switch to National Currencies, Won’t … Read more

Russian Banks Set for Record Profits This Year, Central Bank, Rating Agency Say

Bank of Russia raised its forecast for the profits of Russian banks in 2023, expecting results that may break the 2021 record. This year’s high numbers are coming after 2022 became the worst annual period in seven years for the sanctioned Russian banking sector in terms of financial outcome. Banks in Russian Federation Headed for … Read more

‘Evil Crypto’ Can Be Used in Foreign Trade, Russia’s Deputy Finance Minister Says

Cryptocurrency may be bad for investors but it can be useful in international settlements, according to a top government official in Moscow. Russian authorities intend to set up a special committee that would issue permits to operators employing crypto in foreign trade transactions, he indicated. Russia Plans to ‘Experiment’ With Cross-Border Crypto Payments Amid Sanctions … Read more