Russia Eases Investor Rules Ahead of Crypto Trading Caps

The Bank of Russia has simplified the process for individuals to gain qualified investor status, a change that opens access to higher crypto trading limits when new restrictions take effect later this year.

Under the revised rules, applicants can prove their knowledge by passing a financial and banking test and obtaining a Qualifin Certificate from the National Finance Association. They can also use a Moscow Exchange Investor Certificate or other approved documents. The central bank said one approved certificate is enough for a broker or management company to grant qualified investor status. The change replaces a system that mainly recognised international qualifications in financial analysis, investment advice, asset management, and risk management.

Deputy Governor Mikhail Mamuta said the new test should make qualified investor status more accessible while keeping knowledge standards in place. He said the central bank does not aim to raise the number of qualified investors for its own sake. The main goal is to help people understand risk before they trade complex financial products, he added. Investors should learn how such instruments work and how to manage the risks linked to them.