Russian Central Bank Seeks Ban on Crypto Investment: Report

The Russian central bank is looking to ban cryptocurrency investments in the country, according to a Reuters report.

• The central bank is in discussions with market players regarding a possible ban. If approved by lawmakers, the ban would only apply to new purchases of crypto assets not to past purchases, the report added.
• Russia has been vocal in its stance against against cryptocurrencies, stating that the asset can be used for money laundering or to finance terrorism.
• Bank of Russia’s current position is a “complete rejection” of all cryptocurrencies, the report says, citing a source close to the bank.
• The central bank issued new rules for the country’s mutual funds in a directive published on Monday.
• This latest change means funds cannot invest in digital currencies or in “financial instruments, the value of which depends on the prices of digital currencies.”
• Bank of Russia is working on a ruble-backed central bank digital currency (CBDC).
• The Russian regulator planned to launch a central bank digital currency (CBDC) pilot program in December, but the deadline has recently been moved to “early 2022″ which is when the digital ruble will be in a pilot program before making a decision if it should be launched in production.

Read more: Bank of Russia Bars Mutual Funds From Investing in Crypto