Russia draws up roadmap to restrict cryptos but not ban them completely, according to document
Russian authorities have drawn up a "road map" that envisages restrictions on cryptocurrencies but not a complete ban as advocated by the central bank, according to a document seen by Reuters.
Politicians have pressed for a change of tack by the central bank, which has proposed restricting cryptocurrency trading and mining because of concerns it may cause financial instability.
Working group participants include the finance, economy, digital and interior ministries, the FSB security service, and the central bank.
Deputy prime minister Dmitry Chernyshenko has signed the road map, according to the document as first reported by business daily RBC.
"We note that the points of the road map were supported in full by all agencies, with the exception of the Bank of Russia," the document said.
The central bank said it was familiar with the draft of the road map.
Last week, Russia's central bank proposed banning the use and mining of cryptocurrencies on Russian territory, citing threats to financial stability, citizens' well-being, and its monetary policy sovereignty.
President Vladimir Putin has asked for a consensus to be found between the government and central bank.
During a video conference with government ministers on Wednesday Putin acknowledged "certain risks" associated with cryptocurrencies, such as volatility, but also said there are "competitive advantages" in crypto mining.
"The central bank does not stand in our way of technical progress and is making the necessary efforts to introduce the latest technologies in this area of activity," Putin told the assembly.
With its cheap electricity, Russia is the third-largest country in the world for crypto mining, according to the Cambridge Bitcoin Electricity Consumption Index.
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