Russian Central Bank Seeks Ban on Crypto Investment: Report
The central bank is looking at a complete ban on future crypto investments in the country.
Updated May 11, 2023 at 7:17 p.m. UTC
The Russian central bank is looking to ban cryptocurrency investments in the country, according to a Reuters report.
- The central bank is in discussions with market players regarding a possible ban. If approved by lawmakers, the ban would only apply to new purchases of crypto assets not to past purchases, the report added.
- Russia has been vocal in its stance against against cryptocurrencies, stating that the asset can be used for money laundering or to finance terrorism.
- Bank of Russia’s current position is a “complete rejection” of all cryptocurrencies, the report says, citing a source close to the bank.
- This latest change means funds cannot invest in digital currencies or in “financial instruments, the value of which depends on the prices of digital currencies.”
- Bank of Russia is working on a ruble-backed central bank digital currency (CBDC).
- The Russian regulator planned to launch a central bank digital currency (CBDC) pilot program in December, but the deadline has recently been moved to “early 2022″ which is when the digital ruble will be in a pilot program before making a decision if it should be launched in production.