Russia’s central bank has introduced strict limits on suspicious ATM withdrawals, a move that could significantly disrupt the country’s peer-to-peer (P2P) crypto trading market.
Starting September 1, banks must flag cash-outs that fit any of nine “high-risk” criteria and impose a ₽50,000 ($550) daily withdrawal cap for 48 hours. Customers needing larger amounts will be required to verify their transactions in person at a bank branch.
The restrictions come after a surge in financial scams—273,100 cases worth ₽6.3 billion ($72 million) were recorded in Q2 2025 alone. The flagged categories include cash-outs made at unusual hours or locations, withdrawals linked to QR codes or virtual cards, and transactions made soon after loans, credit limit increases, or large deposit closures.
For crypto traders, the measure strikes at a key cash-out channel. P2P platforms often depend on fast, high-value cash transactions, and experts say the new rules could slow settlement times. Denis Polyakov, head of digital economy practice at GMT Legal, noted that exchanges will be forced to rework their models around in-person verifications.
Other observers see the policy as part of a broader crackdown. Ignat Likhunov, founder of Cartesius Legal, pointed out that amendments to Russia’s Criminal Code banning the use of another person’s bank card may pose an even greater threat to crypto activity. He warned that further restrictions—or a total ban—remain possible.
The ATM limits also reflect Moscow’s cautious stance on digital assets. In July, CBR Governor Elvira Nabiullina reaffirmed that the central bank does not consider cryptocurrencies suitable for domestic payments, calling them volatile and risky.
With cash-out ramps tightening, Russia’s crypto traders now face yet another hurdle in navigating an increasingly restrictive financial ecosystem.
