This article is devoted to the consideration of issues related to the legal regulation of cryptocurrencies in the Russian Federation and some foreign countries. In the course of the study, the features of cryptocurrencies were highlighted, various approaches to the definition of this category were considered, some aspects of the legal regulation of digital currencies were analyzed. It has been determined that the rules of financial law regulate a whole range of public relations related to the use of cryptocurrencies and the complex regulation of this institution is necessary. The author came to the conclusion that it is necessary to use digital technologies and digital currencies in the Russian economy in the future. At the same time, this is a complex and not an instantaneous process of transition to digital currencies; a clearly thought-out strategy for the development of legislation in this area is necessary.