Sberbank Expands Crypto-Backed Lending to Include Bitcoin, Ethereum, and USDT

Russia's largest bank, Sberbank, is planning to expand its crypto-backed lending products to include Bitcoin, Ethereum, and Tether's USDT as collateral. The move comes as part of Russia's evolving cryptocurrency regulations, which will take effect on September 1, 2026.

The proposed expansion would build on Sberbank's previous experience with Bitcoin-backed lending, which was tested in a pilot involving Russian cryptocurrency mining company Intelion Data in December 2025. The bank intends to adapt its existing products as Russia's new regulatory framework takes shape.

Sberbank Deputy Chairman Anatoly Popov said the bank plans to accept three major crypto assets as collateral for loans, subject to regulatory approval. The proposed inclusion of Ethereum and USDT is conditional on the Bank of Russia permitting the relevant assets for public trading under Russia's emerging regulatory framework.