Several Russian banks focused on import-export businesses have begun asking corporate clients for additional explanations around crypto transactions, including the economic purpose of buying USDT and confirmation that the counterparty supplying the digital assets is listed in the central bank's registry of digital asset exchange operators. The requests are difficult to satisfy because the registry has not yet been established, even though the relevant regulatory laws took effect on Sept. 1 and the central bank is still working out the implementation details. Experts cited by RBC said the demands do not align with current law. Lawyer Elizaveta Lobuteva said the inquiries should be viewed as routine compliance checks and preparation for future regulatory changes, rather than a new mandatory obligation.