Russia’s Longest-Serving Finance Minister Backs Crypto “Self-Regulation

Former Russian Finance Minister Alexei Kudrin favors “self-regulation” in the cryptocurrency sector. He believes it will be more effective, at this early stage, than any imposed regulations. Others have expressed similar views about the currently proposed regime. Kudrin shared his opinion on social media, commenting on the latest developments in the crypto debate. The longtime member of Putin’s administration now heads a think tank working on the strategic development of Russia.

Inevitable Crypto Future Beyond the Fault Lines

Cryptocurrency circulation will inevitably increase in Russia, but before standards are created and technologies improved, risks are very high for investors, and especially for ordinary citizens, Kudrin warned. “In this respect, self-regulation is more effective than
regulation”, he tweeted. He attached his comment to an article exposing one of several disagreements between the two institutions tasked to set up the legal framework for bitcoin. Kudrin, who served as Russia’s Minister of Finance for 11 years (2000 – 2011), now heads the Center for Strategic Research – a think tank founded on Putin’s initiative, which is mulling strategies for the development of Russia in the next decade.

The debate about cryptocurrency regulation in Russia is going on amidst a pre-election atmosphere. Several fault lines have appeared between the Central Bank of Russia and the Ministry of Finance working together on the new legislation. At times their cooperation looks more like an argument over several aspects of the law. Kudrin’s comment came with the announcement that “Minfin” and “Centrobank” have reached agreement to legalize initial coin offerings but remain diametrically opposed on the legal status that should be attributed to cryptocurrencies like bitcoin.

The Finance Ministry has just published the draft law “On digital financial assets” prepared together with CBR representatives. The bill defines terms like smart contracts and tokens, sets rules for conducting ICOs, and establishes the legal regime for cryptocurrency mining. Exchanging cryptos for rubles, foreign fiat, or other property is the “Apple of Discord”, however. The ministry argues that legalizing widespread crypto transactions would limit law violations, improve transparency for taxation and increase budget receipts. Reluctant to accept this reasoning, Russia’s main monetary authority remains opposed to such legalization of bitcoin and other cryptocurrencies. “They are not backed by anything or guaranteed by any government”, CBR insists.