Anatoly Aksakov: “We will closely deal with the regulation of digital currencies in the spring session”

In an interview with Parliamentary Newspaper, Aksakov emphasized that work continues at an accelerated pace and a bill to regulate mining could be released in the first half of this year.

“I hope that we will resolve this issue during the spring session. Most likely, more specific information will appear in February. The topic is relevant. After all, mining exists, cryptocurrency exists, many businesses use them, so it is necessary to regulate this type of activity,” the deputy noted.

Also, according to Aksakov, the launch of the digital ruble remains an important issue. Earlier, the head of the Central Bank of the Russian Federation said that negotiations were underway on the use of the national digital currency in international payments. However, Russian legislation now prohibits such use of the digital ruble. However, work is underway in this direction:

“I believe that in the near future we will write down a rule that will allow digital financial assets to be used for international payments. Today, DFA cannot be used as a means of payment or as a tool for settlements. We still want to provide such an opportunity for international payments. And I believe that in February the corresponding amendments will be introduced to the State Duma, and we will try to quickly pass a law on these instruments. We hope that our companies will be able to use them in their activities.”

As for the use of the digital ruble for trade with China, as Aksakov noted, there is currently no particular problem in transactions with the Middle Kingdom. However, to reduce the risks of interference from unfriendly countries, the use of digital currencies will be discussed with China and the BRICS countries. Moreover, this is also “technological progress,” the deputy said.

Last year, Aksakov reported that the State Duma could adopt bills to regulate cryptocurrencies in the first half of 2024.