The Central Bank of Russia has officially added Sberbank to its registry of organizations permitted to exchange digital currencies. This move follows the bank's earlier inclusion in the digital depository list, which tracks cryptocurrency holdings and digital rights. Sberbank is now one of nine entities authorized to facilitate these operations, joining institutions such as VTB and T-Invest Lab.
Under the regulatory framework effective since September 1, banks can provide services for the circulation of digital assets through existing client interfaces. Sberbank plans to launch its cryptocurrency wallet in December. This timeline aligns with the Moscow Exchange, which is also scheduled to begin crypto trading operations in the same month.
New regulations establish specific access tiers for market participants. Unqualified investors may purchase bitcoin and stablecoins through intermediaries, subject to an annual limit of 300 000 ₽. Qualified investors face no such restrictions and gain access to a broader range of assets on both exchange and over-the-counter markets.
The licensing process for financial institutions has been streamlined since October 5. Certain market players can now secure necessary approvals on a notification basis within a single business day. This regulatory shift aims to integrate cryptocurrency transactions into the established infrastructure of brokers, trustees, and digital depositories.
