Russia to Launch 2 Crypto Exchanges Aimed at Foreign Economic Activity—Details

As a seasoned researcher who has closely followed Russia’s financial landscape for years, I find this development of launching two major crypto exchanges in Moscow and St. Petersburg quite intriguing. The strategic move towards integrating digital assets into its economy is an interesting response to international sanctions that have curtailed the country’s financial dealings on the global stage.


Russia intends to boost its international economic transactions by establishing two significant cryptocurrency trading platforms, one in Moscow and another in St. Petersburg within its territory.

The report indicates that this project underscores Russia’s strategic effort to incorporate digital assets within their economic structure. It primarily aims at developing and employing stablecoins linked to the Chinese yuan and the currency blend of BRICS nations.

It’s stated that the aim is to encourage economic collaboration among the BRICS countries (Brazil, Russia, India, China, and South Africa), simultaneously progressing in our attempts to reduce dependence on the US dollar.

2 Russia Crypto Exchanges On The Horizon—Details

Russia’s plan to establish novel cryptocurrency trading platforms is intended to offer a new avenue for digital transactions, given that international sanctions have limited their financial interactions on a global level.

It is probable that one of these transactions will employ the current setup of the St. Petersburg Currency Exchange (SPCE) for facilitating international financial dealings.

Located in Moscow, there could be two possible scenarios: either the existing infrastructure of the Moscow Exchange could be further developed, or a completely new venture could be created – both operating under a regulated and secure legal framework.

Emphasizing stablecoins, or cryptocurrencies linked to a reserve of assets like national currencies, indicates Russia’s ambition to strengthen their financial infrastructure, aiming to decrease dependence on the US dollar.

Nevertheless, while the crypto exchange project in Russia aims high, there are potential hurdles that might impede its smooth implementation. One major concern is the technical difficulty of merging stablecoins with Russia’s blockchain network.

According to Oleg Ogienko, the CEO of BitRiver, it’s important to understand that stablecoins are similar to cryptocurrencies rather than conventional financial assets, as their legal attributes reflect this comparison.

As a long-time observer of financial markets, I have witnessed numerous instances where regulatory complications have hindered the smooth adoption of new technologies. With my personal experiences in mind, I believe that the similarities between traditional currencies and stablecoins could potentially lead to complexities involving convertibility, liquidity, and security within Russia’s financial system. These challenges may pose significant hurdles for the widespread acceptance of stablecoins within the region. It is crucial for policymakers to carefully consider these potential issues and create a framework that encourages innovation while maintaining stability and protecting consumers.

Challenges And Risks In Implementing Russia’s Crypto Exchange Initiative

In addition to overcoming technical hurdles, there are significant legal obstacles as well. For instance, in Russia, Federal Law No. 259 sets the rules for the release and use of digital assets, forming the legal foundation for digital financial transactions.

Under the existing Russian law, there’s no definitive guidance on setting up or governing cryptocurrency trading platforms. Yaroslav Schitzle, representing Rustam Kurmaev and Partners, emphasized the need for a more comprehensive and consistent legal framework to facilitate the launch and operation of crypto exchanges in Russia.

In the potential scenario, the newly established Experimental Legal Framework (ELF) could serve as a legal foundation for these upcoming transactions. However, its effectiveness within this particular situation remains untested at this point.

The phased introduction of these cryptocurrency platforms will first grant access to a select few, including affiliates of prominent exporting and importing companies, in a controlled manner.

Mikhail Uspensky, a member of the advisory panel for cryptocurrency regulations in the Russian State Duma, pointed out that small and mid-sized businesses, as well as individual users, may not be granted unlimited access immediately at the onset.

Additionally, he warned that sanctions carry potential dangers, especially since the openness of blockchain technology might reveal transaction information, potentially causing significant consequences for those implicated.

Furthermore, there’s a degree of doubt concerning the allure of these homegrown trading platforms. Nikita Vassev, the brain behind TerraCrypto, raised questions about their appeal, implying that they may only attract users who have no better options available.

In simple terms, Vassev suggested that many users tend to stick with well-known, internationally recognized trading platforms as their preferred choice, unless there’s a lack of alternatives.

Russia to Launch 2 Crypto Exchanges Aimed at Foreign Economic Activity—Details

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2024-08-24 04:42