The Bank of Russia said in guidance updated on Oct. 12 that individuals are not allowed to withdraw cryptocurrency from regulated digital accounts to self-custodied wallets they personally control.
The central bank said the restriction is based on Article 31(9) of Russia’s new crypto market law, Federal Law No. 282-FZ. That provision took effect on Sept. 1, 2026.
The rule covers withdrawals within the regulated custody system
According to the guidance, a digital account is a legal account used to record crypto assets. A digital custodian is a registered institution that records and transfers those assets and provides access to wallet addresses. The restriction applies to withdrawal activity carried out within Russia’s regulated custody framework.
For withdrawals from ordinary investment accounts, the rule applies to resident individuals and does not include an exemption for qualified investors.
Transfers to wallets managed by authorized foreign custodians remain possible
The Bank of Russia said Article 31 allows individuals who pass the required test and receive a risk disclosure to transfer cryptocurrency to wallets managed by legally authorized foreign custodians. It distinguished that route from withdrawals to personal wallets outside institutional custody.
The law also sets out separate exceptions for foreign trade settlements and mining.
Transfers between individuals are also restricted
The central bank also said transfers between individuals using addresses managed by digital custodians are not allowed. That includes transfers resulting from trades between individuals.
It added that these provisions belong to the general crypto market law rather than rules limited to participants in experimental projects.
Direct peer-to-peer trading remains allowed only until July 1, 2027
According to the central bank, direct peer-to-peer transactions between individuals are only permitted until July 1, 2027, when Article 30(1) takes effect. After that date, residents that have not been authorized as crypto market intermediaries must complete trades through authorized intermediaries or with their participation.
Available channels include licensed brokers and crypto exchange operators listed on the Bank of Russia’s register.