The State Duma is discussing an initiative that could amend the Family Code. If the amendments are adopted, cryptocurrency purchased during marriage will be considered joint property of the spouses—like an apartment, deposit, or car. This decision could become the first official step toward recognizing digital assets as a full-fledged part of family relations.
New rules for digital assets
The authors of the initiative—representatives of the Committee on Industry and Trade—propose to legally establish the status of cryptocurrency in marital property matters. The bill has already been sent for review to the government and the Bank of Russia. According to sources, the document amends articles 34 and 36 of the Family Code, clarifying that all digital assets acquired during marriage belong to both spouses.
There is also a caveat. Cryptocurrency obtained before marriage or gratuitously (for example, as a gift or inheritance) will remain the personal property of the owner. Thus, the new rules do not change the traditional approach but merely adapt it to the realities of the digital economy.
Why the bill appeared now
According to the developers, the number of citizens owning digital assets is rapidly growing. More and more Russians are using cryptocurrency as a means of saving and investing, but there are still no legal guarantees when dividing property. In the event of a divorce, this leads to difficulties: courts cannot always determine who owns the tokens and how to account for them during division.
The authors believe that legal uncertainty violates the principle of equality enshrined in the Constitution. Without clear rules, one spouse may be left without a share in assets that are not formally recognized as property. The new law should fill this gap and ensure equal rights for both parties.
Cautious position of the regulator
The Bank of Russia still treats cryptocurrencies with caution. The regulator allows their use only in limited legal regimes—for example, in international settlements. Within the country, such operations are still not permitted.
Nevertheless, the authorities’ approach is gradually changing. Agencies are discussing a plan for comprehensive regulation of digital assets, which could be implemented as early as 2026. At the same time, the use of cryptocurrency as a means of payment will likely remain prohibited.
Judicial practice and consequences for investors
Courts in Russia have already begun to consider cryptocurrency as property. This is especially noticeable in cases related to divorces and inheritance. Experts note that the formal recognition of digital assets as family property will simplify such processes and reduce the number of conflicts.
According to analytical estimates, about 20 million Russians already own cryptocurrency, and the total volume of their assets exceeds $40 billion. Adoption of the law will consolidate the status of digital assets at the legislative level and become another step toward integrating the crypto economy into the legal system.
If the document is adopted, Russia will become one of the first major countries where cryptocurrency receives official status as family property. This could set a precedent for other jurisdictions that still lack clear rules for dividing digital assets in divorces.
What next?
After receiving feedback from the government and the Central Bank, the draft will be submitted for discussion in parliament. If approved, cryptocurrencies will be included in the Family Code for the first time. This will give citizens more legal protection and provide financial authorities with a new basis for regulating digital assets.
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