The Central Bank of Russia published proposals to set updated conditions for recognising individuals as qualified investors, allowing eligibility to be assessed using either standalone criteria or a new approach that combines criteria. Standalone routes would include specified higher education and academic degrees in finance and credit or finance, an income test based on average income over the last two years of at least RUB 20 million per year (excluding proceeds from real estate sales), and an assets-based test. The asset threshold is currently RUB 12 million and would rise to RUB 24 million from 1 January 2026. A combined route would allow applicants with specified degrees in economics-related fields to qualify if they also demonstrate sufficient income, assets, or experience investing in financial markets, with the Bank proposing to reduce the income-based and property-based thresholds to RUB 6 million for this combined criterion.
Central Bank of Russia 2025-03-13
Central Bank of Russia proposes new qualified investor criteria with combined tests and an asset threshold rising to RUB 24 million from 2026
The Central Bank of Russia proposed updated conditions for recognising individuals as qualified investors, allowing eligibility through standalone or combined criteria. Standalone criteria include specific finance-related degrees, an income test of at least RUB 20 million annually, and an asset threshold rising to RUB 24 million from 2026. The combined route allows qualification with economics-related degrees and reduced thresholds of RUB 6 million for income or assets.