Russia’s central bank chief stated that cryptocurrency transactions will be allowed only through non-cash methods going forward, and there will be no mechanism to convert Bitcoin into cash rubles to curb capital outflows and fight money laundering. The Central Bank of Russia and the Ministry of Finance have pressed ahead with crypto legislation since last autumn; the bill was submitted to the State Duma in March and is slated to take effect on July 1, 2026.
Institutions operating without a license face severe penalties. In Japan, on April 10, the government approved an amendment to the Financial Instruments and Exchange Act at a Cabinet meeting, regulating crypto assets as ‘financial products’ for the first time. It envisions an insider trading ban and requires issuers to disclose information annually to strengthen investor protection.
Previously, crypto assets were regulated mainly as payment methods under the Payment Services Act; as their investment attributes have grown, the regulatory framework is shifting toward financial market rules. If passed in the current Diet session, the measure could take effect as early as 2027. Together, these moves illustrate a tightening global stance on crypto regulation, emphasizing stricter oversight of market access, investor protection, and anti-money laundering efforts.
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