Russia's Largest Bank Sberbank to Offer Crypto-Backed Loans

Russia's largest bank, Sberbank, is expanding its services to include crypto-backed lending. According to Anatoly Popov, Deputy Chairman of Sberbank's Management Board, the bank plans to offer corporate loans secured by digital assets, initially using Bitcoin as collateral. Ethereum and Tether (USDT) may be added later once they are approved for public circulation by the Bank of Russia.

The move is part of Russia's efforts to formalize its crypto framework through Federal Law No. 282-FZ, which takes effect on September 1, 2026. The law introduces reporting requirements for residents who hold digital assets through foreign platforms and expands enforcement tools for the Bank of Russia.

Sberbank is also building a digital asset depository to store customer crypto and keep records under the new legal system. A crypto wallet for retail customers is in development, with a possible launch within months of the new law taking effect.