- Sberbank aims to launch regulated crypto trading, custody, and settlement services by Dec. 1 under Russia’s new framework.
- Russia’s crypto rules take effect Sept. 1, with licensing requirements for exchanges and custodians extending through July 2027.
- Sberbank will operate a digital depository and custody wallets while supporting regulated cryptocurrency transactions and settlements.
Russia’s largest lender, Sberbank, plans to launch cryptocurrency trading infrastructure and a digital depository by Dec. 1, 2026, as the country prepares its new crypto regulatory framework. According to Interfax, the platform will support regulated crypto trading, custody and settlement, while Russia’s broader rules take effect on Sept. 1, with licensing requirements extending through July 2027.
Sberbank Details Digital Custody System
According to Interfax, Sberbank’s digital depository will record customers’ cryptocurrency ownership while processing most transactions outside public blockchain networks. The bank will also operate active wallets for customer deposits, withdrawals and transfers.
Alexander Vedyakhin, Sberbank’s first deputy chairman, said the lender plans to complete the required infrastructure before Dec. 1. However, the bank has not disclosed supported cryptocurrencies, fees, withdrawal limits or customer eligibility requirements.
Under the proposed structure, customers will hold recorded crypto rights within Sberbank’s system. Meanwhile, the bank will manage custody wallets whenever customers move assets to or from external addresses.
Russia Sets Rules For Crypto Participants
The project follows the Federation Council’s approval of legislation covering cryptocurrency brokers, exchanges, asset managers and digital depositories. The framework becomes effective on Sept. 1, while regulated firms must complete licensing requirements by July 2027.
According to the rules, public trading will focus on cryptocurrencies meeting the Bank of Russia’s liquidity standards. Eligible assets must exceed a five trillion ruble average market capitalization and one trillion rubles in average daily trading volume over two years.
Qualified investors will access a broader range of digital assets. Meanwhile, non-qualified investors must complete a knowledge test and face an annual purchase limit of 300,000 rubles through one intermediary.
Bank Builds On Existing Crypto Services
Sberbank has already expanded its digital asset offerings before the new framework arrives. Last year, it introduced structured bonds linked to Bitcoin, while December brought a Bitcoin-backed lending pilot with miner Intelion Data.
According to Reuters, the bank also explored regulated cryptocurrency custody and proposed banking infrastructure for storing customer crypto assets. Meanwhile, VTB, T-Bank, Moscow Exchange and Alfa-Bank are also preparing crypto-related services under Russia’s incoming regulatory framework.
