Cryptocurrency Advertising in Russia: New Fines up to 1 Million Rubles and Triple Oversight
The Russian digital assets market is entering a new phase of regulation, and companies operating in this sphere will have to seriously reconsider their marketing strategies. From September 2026, strict rules of the game come into force: for violations in advertising crypto services, legal entities face fines from 100 thousand to 1 million rubles. At the same time, supervisory functions are distributed among three key agencies — FAS, Roskomnadzor, and the Bank of Russia.
The mechanics of penalties: from fines to orders
The basic advertising fine for companies under Part 1 of Article 14.3 of the Administrative Code ranges from 100 to 500 thousand rubles. However, for mailings carried out without the consent of recipients, a separate, more severe offense is provided — up to 1 million rubles. This is a signal to the market: unfair promotional methods will no longer go unpunished.
The process of identifying violations is already streamlined. Any user, competitor, or interested party can send a complaint to FAS, attaching a screenshot of the page with the advertisement, the site address, and the date of capture. The agency is also entitled to initiate an inspection on its own. After evaluating the materials, FAS opens a case, and the commission issues a decision. If the advertisement is deemed inappropriate, an order to eliminate the violation is issued, followed by a ruling on the fine. Notably, no court appeal is required to impose the penalty, which speeds up the process.
A new philosophy: infrastructure — yes, currency — no
The key change is a shift in the regulatory paradigm. If in 2024 the state banned advertising of a virtually unregulated market, now, with the emergence of legal circulation organizers, advertising becomes permitted for infrastructure players. A simple formula: advertising cryptocurrency itself is still prohibited, but exchange services, digital accounting, and the activities of regulated organizations are allowed. This is one of the most practical innovations.
However, the transition period introduces uncertainty. The new rules are already in effect, but the Central Bank registry, which grants the right to fully use advertising opportunities, is only being formed. Until July 1, 2027, many existing exchangers remain outside the new advertising regime.
My view on the situation
This step is a logical continuation of the course toward institutionalizing the crypto market in Russia. But in the coming months, participants will have to balance between old working models and new requirements. Caution in wording and completeness of mandatory disclosures will become the main defense against regulator claims. The market should prepare for a period of heightened attention from FAS, and companies that adapt their advertising campaigns in advance will gain a competitive advantage.