Sberbank Unveils Regulated Crypto Trading Platform in Russia

Russia's financial landscape is undergoing significant changes with the introduction of new regulations for crypto trading. Sberbank, one of Russia's largest banks, is preparing to launch a regulated crypto platform by December 1, 2026, which will allow users to trade cryptocurrencies directly from their existing ruble accounts.

The new law, effective September 1, 2026, sets an annual purchase cap for non-qualified investors at ₽300,000 per intermediary and provides a transition period for market participants to obtain licenses. Sberbank's platform will feature strict Know Your Customer (KYC) checks, a curated list of assets, and bank-grade custody.

Compared to offshore exchanges and decentralized exchanges (DEXs), Sberbank's approach prioritizes compliance and security over speed and token variety. The platform will offer a more contained and traceable experience for users, with features such as whitelists and review processes for withdrawals.