Russia's largest bank, Sberbank, has confirmed its readiness to launch cryptocurrency trading and custody services for its vast client base of 110 million users, pending final regulatory approval from the Bank of Russia. Senior Vice President Ruslan Vesterovsky announced the plans at a Moscow Exchange forum, stating the bank's infrastructure is already built and tested.
The rollout is contingent on the activation of Russia's emerging exchange-based regulatory framework for digital assets. Proposed rules, introduced in December, would classify cryptocurrencies and stablecoins as financial assets, allowing for controlled trading but prohibiting their use for domestic payments. The framework is designed to introduce structured, supervised participation.
Retail access under the proposed rules would be capped, with non-qualified investors potentially facing an annual purchase limit of approximately 300,000 rubles (about $3,934) through a single intermediary. Eligibility checks would be mandatory, aiming to balance wider participation with controlled financial exposure. Vesterovsky emphasized that organized exchange trading would improve market liquidity and tighten spreads.
Sberbank's technical systems are prepared to support digital asset services, including margin trading and algorithm-driven investment strategies. The bank plans to integrate custody solutions, allowing clients to manage crypto assets within their existing banking environment. This move signals a significant step toward the structured integration of digital assets into Russia's traditional financial infrastructure.
The bank has already conducted preliminary tests in the sector, having issued a crypto-backed loan to mining company Intelion in December 2025 and expressing intentions to expand such lending. While the central bank still views cryptocurrencies as high-risk, its policy development indicates a shift toward allowing regulated participation, with Sberbank positioned to be a primary gateway for millions of Russians.
