On 1 July 2025, President of Russia signed a decree introducing special investment accounts — known as “In” accounts — aimed at simplifying and securing foreign investment operations in the Russian stock market.
Key Points for Foreign Investors
Exemption from Certain Sanction-Related Restrictions
Foreign investors can now invest in Russian securities without being subject to many of the temporary economic restrictions imposed by earlier decrees in 2022–2023. This applies to investors from both “friendly” and “unfriendly” countries.
“In” Accounts in Russian Banks
To benefit from these new rights, investors must open special “In” accounts and deposit accounts in Russian banks. These accounts enable the transfer of rubles and foreign currency from abroad and support a wide range of investment activities.
Permitted Transactions
Through “In” accounts foreign investors may purchase Russian company sharesand bonds during initial public offerings (IPOs) and on organized markets and conduct transactions with derivative financial instruments (futures, options) on the open market.
What Does This Mean?
These exceptions apply only to securities traded on organized stock markets. They do not cover other types of transactions involving shares or equity interests in Russian companies.
Nevertheless, new guarantees represent a major step towards restoring investor confidence and facilitating foreign capital inflows into the Russian economy. By creating a clearer and streamlined framework for securities market participation, the decree reduces uncertainty and administrative hurdles for foreign investors