Sberbank to launch crypto trading and custody in 2026

Sberbank will launch crypto trading and custody services by December 2026, in line with new Russian regulations. The system will record ownership, process off-chain transactions, and restrict trading to select assets.

Sberbank, Russia's largest bank, plans to launch a comprehensive crypto trading infrastructure and digital custody system by December 1, 2026. This initiative aims to integrate cryptocurrency trading, custody, and settlement into Russia's regulated financial system. The platform will feature a digital depository to record clients' crypto ownership and process most transactions off-chain. Sberbank will manage active wallets for deposits, withdrawals, and transfers, ensuring secure and efficient operations. This move aligns with new Russian regulations for crypto trading, custody, and settlement, effective September 1, 2026, and introduces requirements for licensed intermediaries from July 2027. Public crypto trading will be limited to assets meeting strict liquidity and market capitalization criteria, and using crypto for payments in Russia will remain prohibited. Sberbank's entry marks a significant step in Russia's evolving digital asset landscape.