Russia is applying a dual-track regulatory approach to USDC and other stablecoins, according to MarsBit. On one side, these assets are being included in a list of legal trading assets, which places them within an accepted trading framework. On the other side, Russia is also imposing a special fee of up to 3% on such stablecoins, using a risk-pricing mechanism to strengthen regulatory control.
Legal Access Paired With a Special Fee
The approach is described as a form of “tiered inclusion” regulation. Rather than simply excluding USDC and similar stablecoins from the market, Russia is allowing them to enter a legal trading structure while attaching a cost that reflects regulatory risk. The fee of up to 3% is presented as one of the tools for controlling the use of externally linked stablecoins.
The measure is aimed at responding to tightening external sanctions pressure. It is also intended to guide funds toward stablecoins pegged to the ruble or to currencies of friendly countries. Through this structure, Russia is seeking to build a cross-border financial channel that remains under clearer domestic control while defining how stablecoins can be used in regulated transactions.