[Russian Central Bank Plans to Simplify Licensing Process for Banks to Operate Crypto Exchanges] According to Deep Tide TechFlow on March 6, as reported by The Block, the Governor of the Russian Central Bank, Elvira Nabiullina, stated that banks and brokerage firms may be allowed to obtain qualifications to operate cryptocurrency exchanges directly based on their existing banking licenses through a 'notification process,' without the need to apply for a completely new license. The regulatory framework will classify digital currencies and stablecoins as tradable assets but prohibit their use for domestic payments. Initially, banks' participation in crypto assets will be capped at 1% of their capital. The related bill is expected to be submitted to the State Duma in March 2026, with the regulatory framework set to take effect on July 1, 2026.