Russia to finalize crypto bill enabling cross-border settlements

Russia plans to finalize a bill tomorrow that creates a legal framework for cryptocurrency operations while keeping a domestic payments ban. The legislation, called “On Digital Currency and Digital Rights,” would allow sanctioned cross-border crypto settlements, giving an alternative to Western banking restrictions, according to the draft text.

Bitcoin futures pricing on prediction markets shifted after the news. Vera data shows the probability of Bitcoin reaching $100,000 by end-2026 rose to 38% from 32% over the past week, though volumes remained light.

The bill still prohibits using crypto for payments inside Russia. That split – permission for cross-border use, zero tolerance at home – mirrors how other jurisdictions with capital controls have approached digital assets. The final text is due tomorrow; no date for a parliamentary vote has been set.