Sberbank plans to launch cryptocurrency trading infrastructure and a digital depository by Dec. 1, 2026. Because nothing says “stable financial future” like a bank rushing to get in on digital funny money before the government changes its mind again.
- Sberbank plans to launch regulated crypto trading, custody, settlement, and depository services by December 1. Mark your calendars, if you can still read them.
- Russia’s new crypto framework starts September 1, with licensing compliance required by July 1, 2027. That gives everyone roughly ten months to panic and fill out paperwork.
- Non-qualified investors may buy up to 300,000 rubles yearly after passing a mandatory knowledge test. Because nothing says “you’re smart enough” like a test you can probably cheat on with a quick Google search.
The system will support regulated crypto trading, custody and settlement for eligible customers in Russia. Eligible, of course, meaning you’ve passed the vibe check and the knowledge test.
The project follows the approval of new rules covering crypto exchanges, brokers, banks and digital depositories. Russia will introduce the wider regulatory framework on Sept. 1, 2026, while companies will receive additional time to meet licensing requirements. Because deadlines are more like suggestions when you’re a giant bank.
Sberbank plans digital custody and off-chain records
According to Interfax, Sberbank’s digital depository will record customers’ cryptocurrency ownership and account for many transactions outside public blockchain networks. The bank will also manage active wallets for deposits, withdrawals and transfers. It’s like a regular bank, but with more jargon and fewer tellers.
Alexander Vedyakhin, Sberbank’s first deputy chairman, said the bank intends to complete the required systems before the December deadline. He probably also said it with a straight face.
“Sber plans to implement the necessary infrastructure and launch the digital depository by Dec. 1, 2026.”
Sberbank has not yet named the cryptocurrencies that its platform will support. The bank has also not disclosed fees, customer eligibility rules or withdrawal limits. These details may depend on supporting regulations that Russian authorities still need to approve. So, in other words, they have no idea what they’re doing yet.
Under the planned structure, customers could hold recorded crypto rights inside Sberbank’s system. The bank would then use its controlled wallets when customers deposit, withdraw or transfer assets to external addresses. It’s like having a digital safety deposit box, but the bank keeps the key.
Russia introduces rules for investors and intermediaries
The Bank of Russia said the new framework will allow qualified and non-qualified investors to purchase cryptocurrencies through regulated intermediaries. However, different limits will apply to each group. Because nothing says “fairness” like a two-tier system.
Non-qualified investors must pass a knowledge test before buying eligible cryptocurrencies. They may purchase up to 300,000 rubles of crypto each year through one intermediary. Public access will focus on assets that meet liquidity and market-size standards set by regulators. So, if you’re not a financial genius, you get a tiny allowance.
Qualified investors must also complete testing, but they will have access to a wider range of assets without the same annual limit. Banks, brokers and asset managers may offer services under their existing licences and added crypto requirements. Because the rich get richer and the rules get looser.
Meanwhile, new cryptocurrency exchanges and digital repositories will require separate approval. The Bank of Russia will supervise the market and set standards for custody, accounting and customer protection. Because nothing says “protection” like a government that’s also your landlord.
Russia will continue to prohibit cryptocurrency payments for goods and services inside the country. However, companies may use crypto for approved cross-border settlements. Residents may also need to report some foreign crypto holdings and transactions to tax authorities. So, you can trade it, but don’t you dare spend it on a cup of coffee.
The framework takes effect on Sept. 1, 2026. Companies covered by the new rules will have until July 1, 2027 to secure licences and bring their systems into compliance. That’s plenty of time to lose your wallet password and blame the government.
Sberbank expands its existing digital asset services
Sberbank has operated in Russia’s regulated digital asset sector since joining the register of information system operators in 2022. The bank has issued digital financial assets and structured products linked to Bitcoin, Ethereum and cryptocurrency baskets. Because if you can’t beat ’em, issue a derivative of ’em.
Ascrypto.news previously reported, Sberbank was preparing a crypto wallet and digital asset depository before the new framework’s launch. The report said the bank could also consider access to foreign crypto exchanges, depending on final regulatory requirements. Which, let’s be honest, will probably change next week.
Sberbank has also tested cryptocurrency-backed lending. In December 2025, the bank completed a pilot loan with Russian Bitcoin miner Intelion Data. The company pledged mined cryptocurrency as collateral. Because what could possibly go wrong with lending money against volatile digital tokens?
Reuters reported that Sberbank later considered offering similar loans to corporate customers. The bank said miners and companies holding digital assets had shown interest in using crypto as collateral. Shocking, I know.
The bank has also explored cryptocurrency custody services. In July 2025,Reuters reported that Sberbank had submitted proposals to the central bank on storing Russian customers’ crypto assets through regulated banking infrastructure. Because the best place to store your “decentralized” assets is in a centralized bank.
Russian financial companies prepare for crypto trading
Other Russian financial institutions are also preparing services under the new framework. According to crypto.news, VTB and T-Bank were developing digital depository services, while Moscow Exchange was considering regulated cryptocurrency operations. It’s like a race to see who can jump on the bandwagon first.
Alfa-Bank has also tested limited crypto services and custody tools. These projects show that large Russian financial groups are positioning their systems around the new rules before the July 2027 licensing deadline. Because nothing says “innovation” like following government mandates.
The regulated market will divide responsibilities among banks, brokers, exchanges and repositories. Brokers may process customer orders, while exchanges provide trading services. Digital repositories will record customer rights and custody arrangements. It’s a beautiful, bureaucratic symphony of finger-pointing.
Sberbank’s Dec. 1 launch target places its project within the regulatory transition period. Before opening the service, the bank must complete its wallet, trading, accounting and custody systems. It must also publish supported assets, fees and customer access requirements. So, basically, they have a year and a half to figure out what they’re doing. Good luck with that.
2026-07-26 07:09