Rules on Cross-Border Cryptocurrency Payments Came into Force on September 1, 2026
As of September 1, 2026, Russia’s new law comprehensively regulating digital currencies, digital rights, and crypto market participants has come into effect.
One of the key changes is the possibility of using cryptocurrencies and stablecoins for cross-border payments under foreign trade agreements. Such transactions will be subject to standard currency control procedures and AML/CFT requirements. Investors will also be able to transfer crypto assets to their own wallets held abroad or to non-residents to pay for goods and services.
At the same time, the use of cryptocurrencies for domestic payments in Russia remains prohibited. As of September 1, such transactions are classified as illegal currency transactions and may be subject to a fine of up to 40% of the transaction amount.
Sberbank has already made cross-border cryptocurrency payments available to its corporate clients. The service is available to all bank clients engaged in foreign economic activity. Transfers take several minutes, with a fee of 0.3% of the transaction amount and no minimum transaction threshold. Documents required for currency control are generated automatically during the transaction.