Russia Sets New Digital Depository Rules Ahead of Crypto Framework Launch
Russia outlines new digital depository rules ahead of fall crypto framework roll-out
Russia has published proposed rules for a new category of “digital depositories,” signaling a more detailed approach to how crypto-related assets could be held and administered under a broader regulatory framework expected to roll out in the fall.
The draft outlines how these depository entities would operate, focusing on custody and record-keeping functions that are typically central to regulated financial infrastructure. By setting out requirements ahead of the wider framework, regulators appear to be mapping out the plumbing needed for handling digital assets in a controlled environment.
Why it matters: Custody is one of the most sensitive parts of any crypto market structure. Clear rules for entities that safeguard assets and maintain ownership records can shape how institutions participate, how risks are managed, and how regulators oversee activity. Depository requirements also help determine which firms can legally provide these services and under what standards.
The move fits into a broader global trend where policymakers separate crypto market functions—such as trading, issuance, and custody—into distinct regulated roles. Depository rules are often designed to address operational risks, minimize conflicts of interest, and provide clearer accountability in the event of loss, disputes, or compliance issues.
Russia’s proposed depository framework arrives as the country prepares a wider set of crypto regulations slated for the fall. The sequencing suggests authorities are laying groundwork for how digital assets will be stored and administered within the financial system once the larger rules take effect.
