How to Avoid Account Blocking When Working with Cryptocurrency: Federal Law 115-FZ, Real Situations, and Solutions

Federal Law No.115-FZ has been regulating financial operations in Russia for two decades, but in recent years, its influence has extended far beyond the traditional banking sector. Today, it applies to crypto investors, freelancers, entrepreneurs, marketplace workers, and simply people receiving transfers from foreign partners. The years 2024–2025 are marked by a sharp increase in cases of account blocking and freezing of funds – often due to the activation of anti-laundering systems.

Why banks are getting stricter: control algorithms and suspicious transactions

Financial institutions are required to verify each of their clients’ transactions through special algorithms. The focus of these systems includes:

• Regular payments without specified purpose or with unclear descriptions;
• Incoming funds from foreign senders;
• Movements of funds that do not correspond to the client’s official activities;
• Operations related to cryptocurrency platforms and P2P exchange.

When the algorithm detects suspicious activity, the bank does not block the account immediately – it first requests documents and explanations. If no response is received or the information seems insufficient, the account is frozen, and the details are forwarded to Rosfinmonitoring.

Practical experience: how to pass verification without panic

People who have undergone checks under 115-FZ note several key points. First of all, it is necessary to promptly provide:

• Copies of contracts, invoices, receipts, and acts of completed work;
• A clear explanation of the origin of funds (especially important for P2P payments and crypto transactions);
• Documents confirming the legality of the activity.

Important: Having the status of individual entrepreneur (IE) or self-employed significantly eases the situation – it reduces the likelihood of account blocking and speeds up resolving disputes.

Here is a typical scenario: an IT specialist received compensation through a cryptocurrency platform and withdrew 400,000 rubles to a card. The bank immediately suspended the operation and demanded confirmation. The client provided a contract with the customer, correspondence, and screenshots from their platform profile. After 72 hours, full access to the account was restored.

Cryptocurrency arbitrage and 115-FZ: hidden dangers

Arbitrage is trading crypto assets to profit from price differences between platforms (for example, buying a token cheaper on one exchange and selling it more expensive on another). However, P2P operations during active arbitrage are often perceived by the system as potentially illegal trading, especially if there is no registered IE.

In 2024, banks began classifying active crypto arbitrage as a high-risk zone under 115-FZ. The result: many traders with annual turnovers up to one million rubles faced unexpected blockages.

What experienced arbitrageurs recommend:

• Distribute operations across multiple banks and payment cards;
• In the description of P2P transfers, specify a clear purpose – for example, “loan” or “debt repayment”;
• Registering an IE combined with a formal loan agreement creates protection against checks;
• Keep a complete record of all transactions and save screenshots of activity on platforms.

To sleep peacefully: five simple rules for 2025

1. Obtain a legal status – IE or self-employment if you have regular income;

2. Write clear descriptions for all transfers, especially P2P;

3. Separate accounts – personal accounts should remain personal, business transactions are separate;

4. Archive everything – contracts, screenshots, correspondence, payment receipts. This is your protection;

5. React quickly – if the bank requests documents, do not delay your response. Speed often determines whether the account will be frozen for a long time or unblocked within a day.

Summary: 115-FZ is not an obstacle but a rule of the game

The law from 2001 is not a theoretical “scarecrow,” but an active financial oversight mechanism that works especially intensively regarding crypto operations and P2P payments. If you invest in crypto arbitrage or receive income from abroad, ignoring this risk can lead to unpleasant consequences. But if you are cautious – have registered an IE, keep transparent records, and explain the origin of your funds – then 115-FZ will not hinder your business. The main thing: be honest with the system, and the system will not be against you.