The Central Bank of Russia issued an ordinance updating the criteria individuals can use to obtain qualified investor status, adding a standalone income-based route and revising the education and certification pathways alongside the existing asset threshold. Income is now an independent criterion if it is at least RUB 12 million per year over the past two years, falling to RUB 6 million when combined with other criteria such as passing an advanced test, holding the required educational qualifications, or having an academic degree. Income from the sale of real estate will not be counted. The education criterion shifts from a blanket requirement for a higher degree in economics to a specified list of eligible specialisations, including combinations with the income or property criteria; the Central Bank of Russia cited degrees in accounting, analysis and audit, or in taxes and taxation as examples when paired with average annual income of RUB 6 million. The list of certificates used to recognise qualified investors is also expanded to include international certificates already used for investment adviser requirements. The property criterion remains unchanged at RUB 12 million in assets, but is set to increase to RUB 24 million from 1 January 2026; when combined with other criteria, the required amounts are halved to RUB 6 million and RUB 12 million respectively. The ordinance takes effect on 28 July 2025.
Central Bank of Russia 2025-07-17
Central Bank of Russia sets a RUB 12 million income threshold and expands education criteria for qualified investor status
The Central Bank of Russia updated the criteria for obtaining qualified investor status, introducing an income-based route and revising education and certification pathways. An annual income of RUB 12 million now qualifies independently, or RUB 6 million when combined with other criteria. The property threshold remains at RUB 12 million, increasing to RUB 24 million in 2026, with reduced amounts when combined with other criteria.