The Russian State Duma recently passed a bill legalizing Bitcoin mining and allowing the use of cryptocurrencies for international trade. This bill, initially introduced a few years ago, is set to come into effect on September 1st. The legislation received overwhelming support with 404 votes in favor and no votes against or abstentions. The main goal of this new law is to address the challenges faced by Russian banks due to regulatory constraints and international sanctions.
The new legislation establishes a regulatory framework to oversee crypto mining activities, ensuring compliance with tax regulations and preventing illicit operations. One of the key features of the bill is the authorization of Bitcoin mining. The government and the Bank of Russia will regulate mining activities, with a federal authority ensuring compliance. This initiative aims to bring mining activities out of the shadows, requiring income to be declared and taxes to be paid.
While the bill allows for the sale of mined crypto without using Russian information infrastructure, it still prohibits the use of cryptocurrencies for domestic payments in Russia. Additionally, the legislation includes a ban on crypto advertising to control the spread of digital currency usage within the country. Despite these restrictions, this marks a significant change in Russia’s stance towards digital assets and currencies.
In addition to legalizing Bitcoin mining, Russia is considering officially legalizing stablecoins for international transactions. These stablecoins are pegged to stable currencies or assets like the US dollar or gold, making them less volatile than other cryptocurrencies. The central bank is actively discussing proposals to permit the use of stablecoins to simplify cross-border payments for Russian companies facing ongoing sanctions. This move could also potentially enhance Russia’s trade relations and challenge global regulatory norms.
Furthermore, Russia’s Ministry of Finance has proposed allowing traditional exchanges to handle digital asset trading for select investors. This proposal, if implemented, could further expand the accessibility of digital assets in Russia. Overall, the legalization of Bitcoin mining and the consideration of stablecoins indicate a shift in Russia’s approach to digital assets and currencies, potentially opening up new opportunities for innovation and economic growth in the country.
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