Sberbank plans to launch cryptocurrency trading infrastructure and a digital warehouse by December 1, 2026.
summary
- Sberbank plans to launch regulated cryptocurrency trading, custody, settlement and deposit services by December 1.
- Russia’s new cryptocurrency framework begins on September 1, with licensing compliance required by July 1, 2027.
- Unqualified investors can purchase up to 300,000 rubles per year after passing a mandatory knowledge test.
The system will support regulated cryptocurrency trading, custody and settlement for eligible customers in Russia.
The project follows the approval of new rules covering cryptocurrency exchanges, brokers, banks and digital depositories. Russia will introduce the broader regulatory framework on September 1, 2026, while companies will have additional time to meet licensing requirements.
Sberbank plans digital preservation and off-chain records
according to InterfaxSberbank’s digital repository will record customers’ ownership of cryptocurrencies and represent many transactions outside public blockchain networks. The bank will also manage active wallets for deposits, withdrawals and transfers.
Alexander Fedyakhin, First Deputy Chairman of the Board of Directors of Sberbank, said that the bank intends to complete the required systems before the December deadline.
“Spear plans to implement the necessary infrastructure and launch the digital repository by December 1, 2026.”
Sberbank has not yet named the cryptocurrencies that its platform will support. The bank also did 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, clients can retain crypto rights registered within the Sberbank system. The bank will then use its controlled wallets when customers deposit, withdraw or transfer assets to external addresses.
Russia sets rules for investors and brokers
Bank of Russia He said The new framework will allow qualified and non-qualified investors to purchase cryptocurrencies through regulated brokers. However, different limits will apply to each group.
Non-qualified investors must pass a knowledge test before purchasing qualifying cryptocurrencies. They can buy up to 300,000 rubles of cryptocurrencies every year through a single broker. Public access will be focused on assets that meet liquidity and market size standards set by regulators.
Eligible investors must also complete the test, but will have access to a wider range of assets without the same annual limit. Banks, brokers and asset managers may provide services under their existing licenses and added crypto requirements.
Meanwhile, new cryptocurrency exchanges and digital warehouses will require separate approval. The Bank of Russia will supervise the market and establish standards for custody, accounting and customer protection.
Russia will continue to ban cryptocurrency payments for goods and services within the country. However, companies may use cryptocurrencies for approved cross-border settlements. Residents may also need to report certain foreign cryptocurrency holdings and transactions to tax authorities.
The framework comes into force on September 1, 2026. Companies covered by the new rules will have until July 1, 2027 to secure licenses and bring their systems into compliance.
Sberbank expands existing digital asset services
Sberbank has been operating in Russia’s regulated digital assets sector since joining the register of information system operators in 2022. The bank has issued digital financial assets and regulated products linked to Bitcoin, Ethereum and cryptocurrency baskets.
Formerly Ascrypto.news I mentionedSberbank was setting up a cryptocurrency wallet and a repository for digital assets before launching the new framework. The bank may also consider accessing foreign cryptocurrency exchanges, depending on final regulatory requirements, the report said.
Sberbank has also been testing cryptocurrency-backed lending. In December 2025, the bank completed a pilot loan with Russian bitcoin mining company Intelion Data. The company pledged to mine cryptocurrency as collateral.
Reuters reported That Sberbank later thought about offering similar loans to corporate clients. Miners and companies holding digital assets have shown interest in using cryptocurrencies as collateral, the bank said.
The bank has also explored cryptocurrency custody services. In July 2025, Reuters reported that Sberbank had Submitted Proposals to the Central Bank on storing crypto assets of Russian clients through regulated banking infrastructure.
Russian financial companies are preparing to trade cryptocurrencies
Other Russian financial institutions are also preparing services under the new framework. According to According to crypto.news, VTB and T-Bank were developing digital deposit services, while the Moscow Stock 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 building their systems around the new rules ahead of the July 2027 licensing deadline.
A regulated market will divide responsibilities between banks, brokers, exchanges and warehouses. Brokers can process customer orders, while exchanges provide trading services. Digital repositories will record clients’ rights and custody arrangements.
Sberbank’s December 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.
