Russia Advances Sweeping Crypto Bill With Provisions for 'Circumventing Sanctions'
Decrypt·60-word summary·1 min read
Russia is progressing with a comprehensive crypto bill that would license exchanges and allow cross-border cryptocurrency transactions, while still enforcing domestic payment restrictions. The legislation aims to address sanctions circumvention, reflecting Russia's efforts to regulate digital assets amid ongoing geopolitical tensions. The bill's advancement signals a significant shift in Russia’s approach to cryptocurrency regulation.
The UK has intensified its crackdown on illegal crypto trading sites in London, aiming to curb unauthorized activities. This increased regulatory scrutiny, announced in April 2026, could impact market dynamics and potentially hinder innovation within the crypto sector. The move reflects the UK’s broader efforts to regulate and control unlicensed crypto operations.
An analyst predicts Bitcoin could reach $200,000 by 2026, based on a long-term cycle analysis. The forecast is supported by historical buy zones in 2019 and 2022, which preceded major rallies. The current setup suggests a 233% increase from the current price, with the next peak expected in 2026, following a pattern of diminishing rally percentages.
Thailand’s SEC is considering rule changes to allow digital asset firms to offer crypto derivatives within existing entities, aiming to lower market entry barriers. The regulator is seeking public feedback on the proposed licensing overhaul, which could expand crypto futures offerings in the country. No specific dates or amounts were disclosed in the proposal.
Justin Sun, founder of TRON, has filed a lawsuit against World Liberty Financial in a California federal court over frozen WLFI tokens. The legal action escalates a months-long dispute involving blacklisted tokens and governance rights related to the Trump-linked DeFi project. The case highlights ongoing tensions in the DeFi sector over token control and project governance.
Russia’s Sberbank is prepared to enter crypto trading once regulatory frameworks and organized exchange trading are established, according to Senior Vice President Ruslan Vesterovsky. The bank’s move aligns with Russia’s broader efforts to regulate cryptocurrencies, signaling potential growth in institutional crypto participation as regulations develop. No specific timeline or amounts were disclosed.
GSR launched the BESO ETF on Nasdaq, offering exposure to Bitcoin, Ethereum, and Solana with active staking to generate yield. The ETF aims to attract institutional investors and marks a significant development in crypto investment products, signaling a new era for crypto yield strategies. The launch took place recently, expanding institutional access to diversified crypto assets.
