As digital assets gain traction globally, governments are starting to update their laws to match this shift. Russia’s proposal for Crypto Inclusion in Russian Marital Asset Law highlights how crypto is quietly entering the real world of finance, property, and family matters. The draft legislation aims to give cryptocurrency a clear legal standing within marriage, showing how deeply digital assets are becoming part of everyday life.

Russia’s Draft Bill Recognizes Crypto as Shared Marital Property

The State Duma has proposed a draft law to classify cryptocurrency acquired during marriage as joint property, similar to cash or real estate. The bill, authored by Igor Antropenko of the United Russia party and a member of the Committee on Industry and Trade, seeks amendments to Articles 34 and 36 of the Family Code.

Under the proposed law, any crypto purchased during marriage would be shared between spouses, while assets obtained before marriage or through inheritance and gifts would remain individual property. The draft has been sent to Prime Minister Mikhail Mishustin and Central Bank Chairwoman Elvira Nabiullina for initial review.

Antropenko noted that as more Russian citizens use digital currency for investment and savings, clear legal rules are essential. The lack of regulation in family disputes has made it easier for one spouse to hide digital assets, creating unfair outcomes that go against the equality guaranteed under Article 19 of the Russian Constitution.

Addressing the Legal Grey Area in Divorce Cases

The bill’s explanatory note points out that crypto ownership often goes unrecognized in family law, leaving courts uncertain about how to treat it during divorces. This absence of clarity has made it easier for people to misuse digital assets to conceal wealth or avoid equitable division.

By officially defining how crypto fits within marital property law, the proposed amendments aim to ensure fairness and transparency in asset division. The move would align Russia’s legal system with today’s financial landscape, where digital wealth is becoming a standard part of personal finance.

If approved, the bill would give courts the legal framework needed to address crypto-related disputes and protect both spouses’ property rights.

South Korea’s Example of Crypto Inclusion

Russia’s proposal follows an example already set by South Korea. In October 2024, the country revised its legal framework to recognize cryptocurrencies as divisible marital assets. The update to Article 839-2 of the Korean Civil Act allows couples to divide both tangible and digital assets during divorce proceedings.

Courts in South Korea can also conduct investigations to trace undisclosed wallets, aided by blockchain’s transparent transaction records. Once verified, crypto can be either sold and shared or directly divided between spouses. This shows how legal systems worldwide are gradually treating digital assets with the same seriousness as traditional property.

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Rising Crypto Adoption Strengthens the Case for Regulation

The draft law on Crypto Inclusion in Russian Marital Asset Law comes amid a surge in digital currency use across Russia. Between July 2024 and June 2025, the country recorded around $376.3 billion in cryptocurrency transactions, surpassing all European markets, according to Chainalysis.

Much of this growth stems from the rise of decentralized finance, institutional use, and a growing dependence on crypto for cross-border transactions. Sanctions have restricted Russia’s access to global banking systems, prompting both individuals and companies to turn to digital assets.

Stablecoins like the ruble-pegged A7A5 have grown rapidly, and institutional transfers exceeding $10 million jumped by 86% during the same period. These developments have reinforced the need for lawmakers to bring crypto into existing legal and financial systems.

Crypto Becoming Part of Everyday Legal Frameworks

The Crypto Inclusion in Russian Marital Asset Law proposal shows how digital assets are transitioning from speculative tools to accepted parts of daily life. Recognizing crypto in family law illustrates a broader change where financial, legal, and personal systems are adjusting to the digital economy.

If passed, the law will help families protect their financial rights and give courts clarity in handling crypto-related cases. It also confirms that digital assets are no longer limited to traders and tech enthusiasts. They are becoming part of how people earn, save, and even share their wealth within the structure of everyday law.