Alfa-Bank to launch regulated crypto custody in Russia

Alfa-Bank will launch regulated crypto custody and investment services as Russia’s new digital asset rules take effect in July 2026.

Alfa-Bank, Russia’s largest private bank, is set to launch a suite of cryptocurrency services as new regulations take effect from July 1, 2026. The bank plans to offer digital asset custody and blockchain-based investment products, aiming to become a regulated digital depository for both individual and corporate clients. To achieve this, Alfa-Bank will seek a digital-asset custody license and create its own digital custodian, extending services to other companies and targeting overseas investors. The bank has prior experience in digital assets, having launched the A-Token platform in 2023, which supported 86 issuances totaling RUB 37.5 billion. Alfa-Bank is also piloting crypto trading within its brokerage app for a select group of investors. A broader retail rollout and increased market liquidity are expected to develop gradually, with significant activity anticipated by late 2027. This initiative aligns with a wider trend in Russia, where digital asset access and compliance are being integrated into licensed financial institutions under evolving regulations.