Russia’s largest private bank, Alfa-Bank, plans to offer crypto-related services after the implementation of new Russian digital currency laws. The bank wants to be a regulated digital repository and help its customers and other legal entities. This program puts Alfa-Bank in the same field as the big digital banks linked to the government that are preparing licensed crypto access.
Summary
- Alfa-Bank wants digital deposits before offering comprehensive crypto services under the framework of Russia’s planned laws.
- The plans of Sberbank, T-Bank and VTB show that the Russian banking industry is preparing for regulated access to crypto.
- The sales launch time still depends on the final regulations, app access and market value in 2027.
Dmitry Vitman, who is the senior officer in the corporate business and investments at Alfa-Bank, said that the bank must first build its base that we will maintain. “Alfa-Bank plans to offer various services related to digital assets. First and foremost, we need to create our own digital depository,” said Vitman, according to Bits.media. Under the expected framework, the digital currency depository will record and store crypto, monitor customer transactions and block transfers to addresses not approved by the authorities. The bank also wants to create investment products on public blockchains to attract foreign investors.
The bank is already exploring crypto trading
A separate report by RBC Investments said that Alfa-Bank has started testing crypto trading within the Alfa-Investments brokerage app. The test includes a small group of qualified investors, while wider access depends on the rules expected later in 2026. Alfa-Bank said that a wider release of customers may come after the Bank of Russia publishes the necessary actions.
The app reportedly featured trading pages for Tether, ZCash, Bitcoin, Ethereum, USD Coin, Solana and Litecoin. Alfa-Bank said it plans to complete its digital depository and crypto-to-ruble exchange gateways by 2026. The bank expects the full implementation of sales around the fourth quarter of 2026, if the regulatory framework allows. Vitman also said that a lot of money in the Russian crypto market may not appear before the end of 2027.
Russian crypto bill shapes timeline
The time depends on the Russian crypto law. crypto.news reported that the State Duma committee approved a revised bill for a second reading after rejecting a law that would have forced users to disclose wallet addresses. Users will still report balances and transaction volumes.
The revised bill maintains an annual cap of 300,000 rubles for ineligible investors. It also allows crypto to be used to buy Russian securities and digital financial assets. At the same time, some large transfers to other countries or third parties could face a two-day freeze under the draft rules. The bill still needs to pass the remaining steps before it can regulate banking services.
Sberbank and T-Bank are also leaving
Alfa-Bank is not alone. Sberbank plans to launch a crypto fund and digital asset deposit after the new law comes into effect. The bank expects to bring the fund to Sberbank Online and SberInvestments, while its storage infrastructure is scheduled for December 1. Sberbank is also weighing access to foreign crypto exchanges, depending on the final regulations and licensing terms.
IT-Bank also plans to offer crypto buying, selling, storage and balance tracking on its mobile apps. The bank is seeking a digital currency license and has linked its system to the Atomyze digital asset platform. VTB also discussed similar plans, according to reports cited by crypto.news. Together, the move shows that Russia’s central banks are preparing for regulated crypto services, but launch dates still depend on final regulations, licenses, app access and market demand.
