Russia
Russian Banking Giant VTB to Become Country's First to Offer Spot Crypto Trading: Report
In 2026, VTB plans to be the first Russian bank to allow clients access to spot crypto trading services.
UK Crime Network, Worth Billions, Used Crypto to Funnel Drug Cash to Russia, NCA Says
A billion-pound laundering network spread across the UK used cryptocurrency to move criminal proceeds and help Russian interests evade sanctions, according to the NCA.
Russia Acknowledges Crypto’s Popularity With Its Citizens as Central Bank Weighs Bank Involvement
The Finance Ministry noted growing crypto adoption, while the central bank laid out plans to let banks participate under strict capital and reserve requirements.
Asia Morning Briefing: Singapore Authorities Say Token2049 Organizer Not Covered by Russia Sanctions After A7A5 Appearance
Monetary Authority of Singapore spokesperson tells CoinDesk that entities not regulated as financial institutions are not subject to sanctions measures.
Asia Morning Briefing: Why Russia-Linked Stablecoin Issuer A7A5 Could Exhibit at Token2049 Despite Singapore Sanctions
Singapore made a bold move in its usual foreign policy of neutrality by sanctioning Promsvyazbank, a bank associated with the ruble stablecoin issuer A7A5, due to Russia's invasion of Ukraine. But A7A5 was able to legally make an appearance at Token2049 because the conference is organized by a Hong Kong entity.
U.S. Blacklists Crypto Network Behind Ruble-Backed Stablecoin and Shuttered Exchange Garantex
U.S. officials accused Garantex, Grinex, A7A5 token issuers and executives of laundering ransomware proceeds and evading sanctions.
Russia Creates Registry of Crypto Mining Equipment to Tighten Oversight
Officials say the list will help identify miners and enforce new tax and energy rules as Russia formalizes the crypto sector.
Russian State Giant Rostec Plans Ruble-Pegged Stablecoin, Payment Platform on Tron: TASS
RUBx, based on the Tron blockchain, will be anchored to the Russian ruble and integrated with the country’s banking system.
Moscow Exchange Launches Bitcoin Futures for Qualified Investors
Sberbank, Russia’s largest bank, is also launching bitcoin futures and structure bonds tied to BTC.
Russia’s Largest Bank Sberbank Launches Structured Bonds Tied to Bitcoin
The structured product gives exposure to BTC price changes and USD/RUB exchange shifts.
