Bank OF Russia

Sberbank is preparing to expand its crypto backed lending program beyond bitcoin by accepting ether and Tether’s USDT as collateral once Russian regulators permit public circulation. The plan comes as Russia moves toward regulated crypto trading while stablecoin sanctions risk remains a key concern.

Russian retailers reported a sharp increase in hardware crypto wallet sales as new rules for digital assets move closer. The surge highlights growing interest in self-custody, even as legal limits and device-security risks remain firmly in place.

Sberbank, Russia’s largest bank, plans to launch cryptocurrency trading infrastructure and a digital depository by Dec. 1 as Russia builds a more regulated market for digital assets. New rules for crypto trading, custody and settlement take effect Sept. 1, while requirements for licensed intermediaries begin from July 2027.

Sberbank is preparing a cryptocurrency wallet and digital depository for its main banking and investment platforms, with a launch targeted by December. The plan follows Russia’s move toward a licensing framework for crypto trading, custody, digital-to-fiat exchange and cross-border settlements.