A source from the Source about how quietly the state leaves citizens with one option for real savings – in physical gold:
“The main subtasks regarding individuals for the working group under the President on the main anti-crisis measures in the economy and finance of the Russian Federation were the soft “withdrawal” of citizens’ savings “of their own free will” and the closure of transfers to jurisdictions where soft seizure is impossible – foreign banks and cryptocurrencies. With the transfer of currency for ordinary citizens abroad, even to “friendly” jurisdictions, the issue has been practically resolved, plus on the currency itself, after the final division of the exchange rate into exchange and over-the-counter, a protective spread was established – now 3-5%, at the time of the start of the implementation of strict measures the spread (commission) will increase to 30% of the total currency exchange amount (a similar commission has already been introduced for currency brokers for individuals in 2022, the mechanism has proven itself positive).
The most difficult thing is with cryptocurrencies, but in two years the issue has been practically resolved – all at least slightly independent exchangers from rubles to cryptoassets have been liquidated, the remaining ones will strictly follow the command to complicate the exchange and also to significantly expand the spread to 30%. Also, a closed register of persons (legal entities and individuals) who will be allowed to work with cryptocurrencies has already been created. There will remain a small gray p2p market, but it is insignificant, without the use of guarantor exchanger platforms it will lose trust thanks to scammers and banks with the Federal Tax Service will especially monitor such transactions of citizens, and with the introduction of the digital ruble it will become almost 100% transparent.
In fact, for now it is recommended to leave one option for citizens’ real savings – in physical gold (exchange-traded instruments, when trying to convert them into cash, will fall under the same restrictions as deposits), which will allow, after the introduction of protective commissions, to additionally support banks through commissions on sales bullion and their storage, and will not affect inflation and will save citizens’ savings from being withdrawn border (a citizen will not be able to legally export the ingot). At the second stage, after the introduction of protective commissions, VAT will be refunded on the purchase of gold by individuals – to additionally fill the budget. Considering that gold will remain the only liquid, legal option for preserving the purchasing power of savings within the country, a VAT refund on it will not reduce demand.”