The Central Bank of Russia has gone to a de facto free float, as Ruble weakness overwhelmed its ability to effectively intervene. Now there are reports that Russia may ban the circulation of US dollars .
If this story is true, then wealthy Russians will need a way to convert Ruble holdings into US dollars. One of the easiest and least transparent channels would be to buy bitcoin and then convert those holdings into other fiat currencies.
It appears this is already happening, as the Ruble price of bitcoin has been outpacing the gain in the US Dollar price of bitcoin.
Recall that the enormous run in bitcoin during 2013 ($200-$1100) was partially fueled by wealthy Chinese using bitcoin as a channel to withdraw capital from China. Also recall that the price crash in bitcoin was a result of the Chinese government cracking down on this practice.
In the coming weeks and months I will be watching for the Ruble price of bitcoin to far outpace the US Dollar price. Additionally, if bitcoin is being used as a capital flight channel it would not surprise me to see restrictions placed on bitcoin trading in Russia - luckily for us speculators that is probably far into the future
and at much higher prices.
From:http://finance.yahoo.com/tumblr/blog-rouble-collpase-could-fuel-next-bitcion-run-153153403.html?.tsrc=applewf