LATAM exporters can now consider Ruble-free Commerce with Russia, using Bitcoin and Stablecoins for Settlements

• Russia’s new crypto trade framework offers Latin American nations a proven model for dedollarization.
• LATAM exporters can now consider ruble-free commerce with Russia, using Bitcoin and stablecoins for settlements.

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The Russian government has formalized a legal structure for using cryptocurrency in international trade. This decision results from coordination between the Ministry of Finance and the Central Bank. The policy permits Russian import and export firms to conduct settlements using Bitcoin and other digital currencies. This action is a measured response to international sanctions affecting the country’s access to global finance.

A prior experimental program, initiated in September, allowed for the testing of cross-border crypto payments. The new framework builds upon that foundation. All international crypto transactions must now go through official channels under the supervision of the Central Bank. These channels will enforce standard Anti-Money Laundering and Know-Your-Customer protocols.

Domestically, the ban on using crypto for payments inside Russia remains active. This rule protects the national currency, the ruble, from potential displacement. The policy is designed explicitly for trade with external partners, including nations in Asia, the Middle East, and Latin America. Government officials have labeled the move a strategic requirement for the Russian economy.

The authorization of Bitcoin for foreign trade marks a substantial change in official posture. This represents a reversal of the 2021 ban on cryptocurrency activities. The policy aligns with a longer-term goal of reducing reliance on the US dollar. Russia’s considerable energy capacity is expected to support Bitcoin mining operations, providing a base of liquidity for the new system.

Following the announcement, the price of Bitcoin moved above $108,500. Market participants interpreted Russia’s entry as an affirmation of the asset’s utility in global commerce. This state-level adoption contrasts with earlier characterizations of Bitcoin as too unstable for official use.

Concurrently, Russian legislators are advancing a change to the national Family Code. The amendment would define cryptocurrency as a form of marital property. Proposed by State Duma member Igor Antropenko, the draft law aims to resolve disputes over digital asset ownership during divorces. This legal update indicates a deeper integration of digital assets into the Russian legal system.

The complete implementation of this framework could alter international finance. It provides a model for other economies facing sanctions or seeking independence from Western financial networks like SWIFT. The approach carries risks, including price volatility and potential regulatory responses from other nations. However, the incorporation of cryptocurrency into Russia’s trade strategy indicates a measurable shift in how countries might use decentralized networks for international settlements.

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