Sberbank, the largest lender in Russia, has received official authorization from the central bank to conduct cryptocurrency trading operations. The bank is currently preparing to launch these services on December 1, 2026, following the implementation of new national crypto regulations that took effect on September 1.
The Bank of Russia has expanded its registry of authorized operators, which now includes 10 crypto exchanges and 6 digital custodians. Alongside Sberbank, the list features major financial institutions such as VTB, as well as specialized companies like T-Invest Lab and Atomyze. Sberbank previously secured its status as a digital custodian.
The planned service will allow users to trade Bitcoin, Ether, and Tether USDt through the existing SberBank Online, SberInvestments, and SberBusiness platforms. According to reports, the bank has already initiated testing for buying, selling, depositing, and withdrawing digital assets within its mobile application.
While the bank aims for a December launch, the final timeline remains subject to further regulatory guidance from the central bank. Despite these developments, the use of cryptocurrencies as a legal payment method for goods and services continues to be prohibited under Russian law.
