Sberbank Awaits Law to Begin Crypto Exchange Trading

TLDR

• Sberbank confirmed it will launch crypto trading services after Russia enacts digital asset regulation and exchange trading begins.
• Ruslan Vesterovsky said the bank stands ready to provide access once the legal framework takes effect.
• The Bank of Russia continues to classify cryptocurrencies as high-risk instruments under its policy framework.
• The central bank’s December 2025 concept allows qualified and non-qualified investors to buy crypto assets under set conditions.
• Non-qualified investors may invest up to 300,000 rubles per year after passing a mandatory test.

Russia’s largest lender signaled readiness to enter cryptocurrency trading once national rules take effect. Senior Vice President Ruslan Vesterovsky confirmed the plan during a Moscow Exchange forum. Authorities expect lawmakers to finalize digital asset legislation by July 1, 2026.

Sberbank Plans Market Entry After Regulatory Approval

Sberbank confirmed it will launch crypto trading services after the authorities enact regulations and organized exchange trading begins. Ruslan Vesterovsky said the bank will coordinate with regulators and other market participants. He stated that the bank stands prepared to provide access once the legal framework becomes effective. He added that Sberbank awaits formal adoption of rules before offering trading services.

The Bank of Russia continues to classify cryptocurrencies as high-risk instruments under its policy framework. In December 2025, the central bank released a concept for domestic cryptocurrency regulation. The proposal allows both qualified and non-qualified investors to buy crypto assets. However, the framework maintains a ban on domestic payments using digital currencies.

Under the proposal, non-qualified investors may access liquid cryptocurrencies after passing a mandatory test. They may invest up to 300,000 rubles annually through a single intermediary. The concept defines digital currencies and stablecoins as currency assets allowed for purchase and sale. At the same time, regulators restrict their use for payments inside Russia.

Sberbank expanded its digital financial asset issuance to 408 billion rubles in 2025. This figure exceeds the bank’s 2024 issuance and reflects growth since 2023. The lender also issued a pilot crypto-backed loan to Intelion Data in December 2025. It secured the loan with mined bitcoin and stored collateral through its proprietary custody system.

Russia Advances Comprehensive Crypto Regulation Bill

Russia’s State Duma advanced a wide-ranging crypto regulation bill in its first reading. Lawmakers approved the measure with 327 votes out of 340 deputies. The government introduced the bill to create a structured framework for issuing, trading, and storing digital currencies.

The draft law classifies cryptocurrency as property under Russian legislation. This classification allows courts to recognize digital assets in legal disputes. However, the bill keeps the ban on domestic crypto payments. It permits cross-border transactions under regulated conditions.

The legislation introduces investor tiers to define access to digital assets. It also sets stricter controls on peer-to-peer activity within the market. The framework requires licensed intermediaries to supervise trading and custody services. The Bank of Russia will oversee these licensed entities.

The bill also mandates that mining operations use domestic infrastructure. Lawmakers must still complete two additional readings before final approval. Some officials have requested revisions regarding market restrictions and asset protection measures. Authorities aim to complete the legislative process by July 1, 2026.

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