Sberbank sets a deadline of Dec. 1 of the introduction of Russian crypto trading
Sberbank plans to launch a cryptocurrency trading infrastructure and depository on Dec. 1, 2026.
Summary
- Sberbank plans to launch regulated crypto trading, storage, payment, and deposit services on December 1.
- The new Russian crypto framework begins on September 1, when compliance with the license is required on July 1, 2027.
- Unqualified investors can buy up to 300,000 rubles a year after passing a mandatory knowledge test.
The program will support regulated crypto exchange, custody and settlement of eligible clients in Russia.
The project follows the approval of new regulations covering crypto exchanges, brokers, banks and digital vaults. Russia will introduce a comprehensive regulatory framework on September 1, 2026, while companies will have more time to meet licensing requirements.
Sberbank plans digital storage and off-chain records
According to Interfax, Sberbank’s digital depository will record customers’ cryptocurrency ownership and track many transactions outside of blockchain public networks. The bank will also manage active funds for deposits, withdrawals and money transfers.
Alexander Vedyakhin, Sberbank’s first vice chairman, said the bank aims to complete the necessary plans before the December deadline.
“Sber plans to implement the necessary infrastructure and launch the depository by Dec. 1, 2026.”
Sberbank has not yet named the cryptocurrencies that its platform will support. The bank also does not disclose fees, customer eligibility rules or withdrawal limits. These details may depend on supporting regulations that Russian authorities still need to approve.
Under the planned structure, customers can hold recorded crypto rights within the Sberbank system. The bank will then use its controlled wallets when customers deposit, withdraw or transfer goods to foreign addresses.
Russia introduces rules for investors and intermediaries
The Bank of Russia said the new framework will allow qualified and unqualified investors to buy cryptocurrencies through regulated intermediaries. However, different restrictions will apply to each group.
Non-professional investors must pass a knowledge test before purchasing eligible cryptocurrencies. They may buy up to 300,000 rubles of crypto each year through a single intermediary. Public access will focus on assets that meet the capital and market size standards set by regulators.
Eligible investors must also complete an assessment, but will be able to access a wider range of assets without the same year limit. Banks, brokers and asset managers can offer services under their existing licenses and additional crypto requirements.
Meanwhile, new cryptocurrency exchanges and digital repositories will require separate approvals. The Bank of Russia will regulate the market and set standards for custody, accounting and customer protection.
Russia will continue to ban cryptocurrency payments for goods and services within the country. However, companies can use crypto in cross-border settlements. Citizens may also need to report some foreign crypto holdings and transactions to tax authorities.
The framework takes effect on September 1, 2026. Companies subject to the new rules will have until July 1, 2027 to secure licenses and bring their systems into compliance.
Sberbank is expanding its existing services for digital assets
Sberbank has operated in the regulated digital asset sector in Russia since joining the register of information system operators in 2022. The bank issued digital financial assets and structured products linked to a basket of Bitcoin, Ethereum and cryptocurrency.
Ascrypto.news previously reported, Sberbank was preparing a crypto fund and digital asset deposit before the introduction of the new framework. The report said the bank may also consider access to foreign crypto exchanges, depending on final regulatory requirements.
Sberbank also explored cryptocurrency-backed lending. In December 2025, the bank completed a pilot loan with the Russian Bitcoin miner Intellion Data. The company pledged to mine cryptocurrency as collateral.
Reuters reported that Sberbank later considered offering similar loans to corporate clients. The bank said miners and companies holding digital assets have shown interest in using crypto as collateral.
The bank also explored cryptocurrency storage facilities. In July 2025, Reuters reported that Sberbank submitted proposals to the central bank for storing crypto assets of Russian customers through a regulated banking infrastructure.
Russian financial companies are preparing for crypto trading
Some Russian financial institutions are also preparing services under the new framework. According to crypto.news, VTB and T-Bank were developing digital currency storage services, while the Moscow Exchange was considering regulated cryptocurrency operations.
Alfa-Bank also tested limited crypto services and storage tools. These projects show that Russia’s largest financial groups are putting their systems in line with the new rules ahead of the July 2027 licensing deadline.
A regulated market will separate responsibilities between banks, brokers, traders and storage facilities. Brokers may process customer orders, while exchanges provide trading services. Digital archives will record customer rights and storage arrangements.
Sberbank’s launch target for Dec. 1 puts its project in the middle of a change of control. Before opening the service, the bank must complete its treasury, trading, accounting and financial management systems. It must also publish supported goods, fees and customer access requirements.
