Sberbank to Launch Regulated Crypto Trading by December 2026
Sberbank, the largest bank in Russia, intends to establish a regulated trading platform for cryptocurrencies and a digital asset depository by December 1, 2026, in accordance with the new cryptocurrency regulations overseen by the Bank of Russia. A digital depository will be developed for customer ownership and off-chain transactions. Alexander Vedyakhin has verified this schedule, although specifics regarding supported cryptocurrencies, fees, and eligibility remain undisclosed. The legislation will come into force on September 1, 2026, with a licensing deadline set for July 1, 2027. Cryptocurrencies must have a market capitalization exceeding 5 trillion rubles (~$64 billion) and a daily trading volume surpassing 1 trillion rubles (~$12.8 billion). Retail investors will be limited to 300,000 rubles, while qualified investors will not face any restrictions. Other banks are also gearing up to offer similar services.
Key facts
- Sberbank targets December 1, 2026, for regulated crypto trading and depository launch.
- Russia's new crypto law takes effect September 1, 2026; licensing deadline July 1, 2027.
- Eligible cryptocurrencies must have average market cap >5 trillion rubles (~$64 billion) and daily volume >1 trillion rubles (~$12.8 billion) over two years.
- Retail investors face a knowledge test and annual investment limit of 300,000 rubles per intermediary.
- Sberbank became a registered digital financial assets operator in 2022.
- Sberbank piloted a Bitcoin-backed loan with Intelion Data in late 2025.
- Other institutions preparing include VTB, T-Bank, Alfa-Bank, and Moscow Exchange.
- Crypto payments for goods/services remain prohibited in Russia.
Entities
Institutions
- Sberbank
- Bank of Russia
- Interfax
- Intelion Data
- Reuters
- VTB
- T-Bank
- Alfa-Bank
- Moscow Exchange
- Federation Council
Locations
- Russia