Sberbank Receives Russian Crypto Trading Approval
What happened: Sberbank, Russia’s largest bank, has secured authorization from the Bank of Russia to operate as a crypto exchange and digital custodian.
What happened: Sberbank, Russia’s largest bank, has secured authorization from the Bank of Russia to operate as a crypto exchange and digital custodian. The approval, registered on October 12, 2026, allows Sberbank to offer trading in Bitcoin, Ethereum, and Tether (USDT), with a launch planned for December 1, 2026, pending further regulatory guidance. The services will be available to both retail and business clients through Sberbank’s digital platforms. The move follows new Russian regulations, effective since September 1, 2026, placing exchanges and custodians under central bank oversight.
Why it matters: Sberbank’s entry into crypto trading marks a milestone in Russia’s regulated digital asset landscape, expanding access to cryptocurrencies for millions of customers. The development comes amid ongoing international sanctions and may be interpreted as a step toward financial self-sufficiency. However, the launch date remains contingent on additional rulemaking, and crypto payments remain banned in Russia. The approval also signals increasing competition among Russian financial institutions, with Sberbank and VTB now both authorized for exchange and custody services.
Source: Cointelegraph