Sberbank Unveils Cryptocurrency Trading Platform Ahead of Russian Digital Asset Regulations

Russia's largest lender, Sberbank, is gearing up to launch a cryptocurrency trading and custody platform by December 1. The new infrastructure will be regulated under Russia's upcoming digital asset framework, which includes licensing requirements and oversight categories for crypto businesses.

The platform will feature a digital depository that records customers' crypto ownership on internal ledgers while settling most transactions outside the main blockchain. Sberbank will manage active wallets for customer deposits, withdrawals, and transfers.

According to Alexander Vedyakhin, first deputy chairman of Sberbank, the depository will maintain records of clients' cryptocurrency rights, account for off-chain transactions, and support transfers using active wallets.

The digital asset framework will take effect on September 1, 2026, with full licensing requirements for intermediaries beginning on July 1, 2027. The legislation creates five categories of regulated market participants, including exchanges, brokers, custodians, asset managers, and exchange service providers.