The Bank of Russia has proposed a three-year experimental legal framework allowing large investors to directly purchase and trade cryptocurrencies. The proposal, developed under presidential instructions, creates a pathway for institutional investment in digital assets and has been submitted to the government for review, according to a report from Bitcoin news agency BTC Peers.

Only "specially qualified investors" would be permitted to make cryptocurrency transactions within this framework. This status would apply to citizens with investments exceeding 100 million rubles in securities and deposits, or those with annual income over 50 million rubles.

Financial institutions classified as qualified investors would also be eligible to participate. These include banks, insurance companies, brokers, trust managers, non-state pension funds, and investment fund management companies. The Central Bank plans to establish tailored regulatory requirements for these organizations.

The policy shift follows President Putin's earlier statement: "Who can ban Bitcoin, for example? No one. These are new technologies, and whatever happens to the dollar, these instruments will develop one way or another, because everyone will strive to reduce costs and improve reliability."

Bitcoin is expected to be the primary focus of investments due to its decentralized nature. For qualified investors outside the experimental framework, the Bank of Russia proposes allowing investments in:

• Settlement derivative financial instruments
• Securities
• Digital financial assets linked to cryptocurrency values without actual cryptocurrency delivery

The Central Bank continues to reject cryptocurrency as a payment method. It proposes banning settlements between residents using cryptocurrency outside the experimental framework and establishing penalties for violations.

This development occurs as global Bitcoin holdings grow, with China reportedly holding approximately 194,000 BTC and the United States maintaining 112,189 BTC. The US recently established a Strategic Bitcoin Reserve, signaling increased government recognition of Bitcoin's importance.

The experimental framework coincides with legislative efforts in the United States, where Republican Senator Cynthia Lummis has reintroduced the BITCOIN Act to create a permanent federal Bitcoin reserve. The bill proposes purchasing 1 million bitcoin units over time, representing about 5% of the total Bitcoin supply.

China has also made economic moves that could affect Bitcoin markets. The country recently announced fiscal and monetary stimulus measures to boost consumption amid US trade tensions, setting a 5% GDP growth target. Historically, Bitcoin gained 12.3% during previous Chinese stimulus efforts, showing correlation with the People's Bank of China's activities.