The Ministry of Finance of the Russian Federation plans to let any industry in the country to accept bitcoin and cryptocurrencies for international trade without restriction, per a report from local media outlet [TASS](https://tass.ru/ekonomika/15943173?).
Ivan Chebeskov, director of the Financial Policy Department for the ministry, explained in a recent interview.
> "We are going to allow international settlements in cryptocurrencies for any industries without restrictions."
However, though the ministry intends to offer a non-restrictive flow for the acceptance of bitcoin and cryptocurrencies, there seems to be a difference of opinion coming from the Bank of Russia.
>“[The central bank] is in favor of creating a full-fledged infrastructure for the circulation of digital currencies in Russia,” said Chebeskov.
Thus, while the Ministry of Finance prefers a local approach to the regulation of digital assets, the central bank is pursuing a broader range of regulatory action. Chebeskov detailed that the Ministry of Finance has two primary functions as it relates to the regulation of digital assets for international payments.
>"We believe that we need local crypto infrastructure,” said Chebeskov.
>“First of all, to protect the interests of citizens.”
>“Because now those who trade their digital currencies on crypto exchanges are limited,” Chebeskov continued.
>“Secondly, to control when digital currency is used legally and when not.”