Sberbank Aims for Crypto Trading Infrastructure Launch by End of 2026

Russia's largest bank, Sberbank, has set its sights on establishing cryptocurrency trading systems and digital custody by December 1, 2026. This move aligns with Russia's upcoming regulatory framework for digital asset trading, which is set to go into effect on September 1, 2026.

The new regulations will require exchanges, brokerage firms, banking institutions, and digital custody providers to obtain licenses by July 1, 2027. Retail investors without qualified status must complete a competency examination before purchasing up to 300,000 rubles of approved digital assets annually through one designated intermediary.

Sberbank has already gained experience in the digital asset sector, having issued digital financial instruments and structured products linked to Bitcoin and Ethereum. The bank's plans for cryptocurrency trading infrastructure will include hot wallets for deposits, withdrawals, and external address transfers, as well as a digital depository that will maintain records of client cryptocurrency holdings.

The use of cryptocurrency for domestic retail purchases and services in Russia will continue to be forbidden, but cross-border cryptocurrency settlements will be allowed for authorized applications. Sberbank has not yet revealed which digital currencies will be available on its platform or what transaction fees will be applicable.