Deputy Finance Minister Ivan Chebeskov estimates that Russia's daily cryptocurrency transaction volume has reached roughly 50 billion rubles, with millions of citizens involved and usage steadily rising. A draft law to regulate this activity is expected to be finalized within weeks and submitted to the State Duma in March, with authorities aiming for adoption during the spring session so market participants can prepare for licensing and compliance.

On February 13, 2026, First Deputy Chairman Vladimir Chistyukhin said the Bank of Russia will reassess its stance on fiat‑pegged coins and launch a study this year on a potential ruble stablecoin. The review follows growing sanctions pressure and the rise of the Kyrgyz‑issued A7A5, which handled over $100 billion in its first year and has a capitalization above $500 million.

Russian authorities have approved a finance ministry concept to tokenize real-world assets such as company shares, securities and ownership rights, with an initial pilot focused on property and intellectual property. The move is unfolding alongside a separate regulatory framework under review that would classify cryptocurrencies and stablecoins as currency assets and expand access for different categories of investors by July 1 2026.

On February 10, 2026, the Russian State Duma approved a law that sets out procedures for seizing and confiscating cryptocurrency in criminal proceedings. The legislation, which amends the Criminal Code and the Criminal Procedural Code, classifies digital currencies such as Bitcoin as property and details how investigators can gain control over wallets and storage devices. The new rules precede broader regulations for other crypto-related activities expected to take effect in Russia by July 1.

NBK Chairman Timur Suleimenov said on Tuesday that Kazakhstan will establish a national crypto-custodial service by May, according to statements quoted by Zakon.kz. He noted the legal framework was largely completed in 2025 and that regulated crypto circulation will start in 2026. Officials also outlined plans for a strategic reserve that could reach $1 billion and confirmed a $350 million NIC allocation for coin purchases.

The European Union's proposed 20th package of sanctions over the war in Ukraine seeks to blacklist two Kyrgyz banks accused of handling crypto-related transactions for Russia and to restrict selected dual-use exports to Kyrgyzstan. The draft measures also extend to banks in Tajikistan and Laos, ports moving Russian oil in Georgia and Indonesia, additional metals import bans, and further penalties on Russia's digital ruble platform and crypto service providers.

On February 6, 2026, Sberbank said it is finalizing infrastructure to expand loans secured by digital assets after piloting Russia’s first crypto-collateralized loan in late December. The bank sees strong corporate demand and Sovcombank has also moved into crypto-secured lending. The rollout will hinge on upcoming Russian regulations, targeted for adoption by July 1, 2026.

Sovcombank, one of Russia’s systemically important private banks, announced a program to extend Bitcoin‑collateralized loans to legal entities, with rates set at the Central Bank’s key rate plus 7 percentage points (currently 23%). Terms include a 50% collateral discount and up to two years to repay, with eligibility criteria disclosed to Kommersant.

Eurostat's flash estimate shows eurozone annual inflation at 1.7% in January 2026, down from 2.0% in December and 2.5% a year earlier. Analysts expect the softer price growth and a strong euro to shape European Central Bank rate decisions and potentially lend support to regional stock and cryptocurrency markets, even as Bitcoin trades more than 40% below its peak.