REGULATION | Russia to Ban Direct P2P Crypto Trades and Self-Custody From H2 2027 - BitKE

Russia is reportedly preparing to prohibit direct peer-to-peer cryptocurrency trades and the self-custody of digital assets, with the measures set to take effect in the second half of 2027. According to BitKE, the planned restrictions would target transactions conducted outside regulated intermediaries, as well as the practice of holding private keys independently rather than through a custodial service.

The development matters because peer-to-peer trading and self-custody have long been core features of crypto markets, particularly in regions where access to formal exchanges is limited. A ban of this kind would mark a significant shift toward channeling activity through supervised platforms, potentially reducing the anonymity and autonomy that direct wallet ownership provides. It also signals a broader regulatory direction in which authorities seek greater visibility into who holds and moves digital assets.

What to watch: how the rules are ultimately drafted and enforced, whether they apply only to domestic residents or extend further, and how the market responds in the months before the 2027 deadline. Clarity on exemptions and penalties will shape the practical impact.