In a recent development, Deribit crypto exchange has announced its exit from Russia due to sanctions introduced by the European Union, according to the statement posted on its website. As a Dutch-owned platform, Deribit must adhere to EU sanctions. The exchange will no longer accept Russian nationals or residents as clients, unless exceptions apply.
” Due to EU sanctions against Russia, Deribit is no longer able to accept Russian nationals and Russian residents as its clients, unless an exception applies. Since Deribit’s parent company is Dutch, these EU sanctions are relevant to us,” the crypto exchange noted.
Due to EU sanctions, Deribit has restricted access to its platform for Russian nationals. Russian nationals can only use the exchange’s services if they are also citizens of an EEA member country or Switzerland, or if they have permanent residency in one of these countries.
Deribit Limits Russian Access: Some Residents Can Use Platform
For example,Russian nationals residing in Ireland or that are also nationals of Denmark can use Deribit services. However, Russians residing in the UAE are still prohibited from using the platform. Furthermore, the exchange does not make exceptions for Russian companies, which means they are also unable to access Deribit’s services.
An email from Deribit to clients explains that Russian accounts will enter “reduce-only mode” starting February 17, 2025, meaning traders can only close positions or place new orders that reduce risk. All open positions will be closed on March 29, 2025, but there will be no restrictions on withdrawing assets.
Originally founded in the Netherlands in 2016, Deribit is now based in Panama. This move followed a 2020 EU directive that required crypto platforms to identify customers through new rigorous anti-money-laundering (AML) rules.
In a statement, Deribit stated that they believe crypto markets should be accessible to everyone. They found the new regulations imposed by the EU to be too restrictive and costly for many traders. As a result, they chose to move to a more favorable regulatory environment.
