Sberbank Unveils Ambitious Crypto Plans Amid Russia's Digital Currency Law

Russia's largest bank, Sberbank, is gearing up to launch cryptocurrency trading infrastructure and a digital custody system by December 1, 2026. This move comes in line with Russia's new digital currency law, which took effect on September 1.

The law sets out a regulatory structure for crypto activity in the country, covering everything from citizen purchases through licensed intermediaries to exchange trading and clearing. Public trading under the law remains limited to highly liquid assets, while non-qualified investors face an annual cap of around $3,800.

Sberbank plans to connect its new infrastructure directly to Sberbank Online and SberInvestments, two flagship apps that will allow users to access and manage their digital assets. The bank's First Deputy Chairman Alexander Vedyakhin confirmed the timeline through Interfax, stating that the system is not a final product but rather a foundation piece.

Sberbank has been involved in developing Russia's digital financial asset market since 2022, offering qualified investors structured bonds and digital financial assets tied to Bitcoin and Ethereum. The bank also introduced cryptocurrency baskets for the same investor group during this period.