Sberbank sets Dec. 1 deadline for Russia crypto trading launch

Sberbank plans to launch cryptocurrency trading infrastructure and a digital depository by Dec. 1, 2026.

The system will support regulated crypto trading, custody and settlement for eligible customers in Russia.

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.

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.

Alexander Vedyakhin, Sberbank’s first deputy chairman, said the bank intends to complete the required systems before the December deadline.

“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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.