Russia’s Largest Bank Sberbank Explores Bitcoin-Backed Loans in Rubles

Russia’s largest lender, Sberbank, is considering a major move into Bitcoin and crypto-backed lending.

According to Russia’s state-owned news agency Tass, Sberbank is exploring the issuance of loans in rubles secured by crypto holdings. The initiative would allow borrowers to use digital assets like Bitcoin as collateral while accessing traditional fiat financing. 

According to Deputy Chairman Anatoly Popov, the bank is assessing how such lending products could operate under existing and future regulations. 

Notably, crypto regulation in Russia remains at an early stage. Meanwhile, Sberbank appears prepared to work with regulators to design the necessary supporting infrastructure.

Collaboration With Regulators

Specifically, Sberbank has indicated that cooperation with regulators will be central to launching crypto-secured lending services. The bank is positioning itself to help build the technical and legal framework required for these transactions. It hinted that formal discussions and announcements could take place in the near future.

In addition to crypto-backed loans, Sberbank is expanding its digital asset platform. Since the start of the year, it has handled over 160 digital asset launches, including tokenized offerings for real estate and oil.

Earlier this month, Sberbank disclosed that it is experimenting with DeFi solutions as interest in crypto grows among its 109 million retail and 3 million corporate clients. Deputy Chairman Popov said the bank is working closely with regulators to stay compliant.

Crypto as Investment, Not Currency

Sberbank’s interest in crypto-secured loans aligns with a trend among traditional banks to explore blockchain finance. These loans could make digital assets more widely used in Russia’s banking system. 

While there’s no timeline yet, the plan shows that large banks are starting to see crypto as usable collateral, not just a speculative investment.

Meanwhile, Russia will not recognize cryptocurrencies like Bitcoin or Ethereum as legal currency. State Duma Committee Chair Anatoly Aksakov has said digital assets are strictly for investment purposes, and all payments must be made in rubles.

Russian Exchanges Gear Up for Regulated Crypto Trading in 2026

As The Crypto Basic reported on Thursday, Russian exchanges are preparing for a new crypto regime in 2026. Specifically, the St. Petersburg and Moscow exchanges are getting ready to offer regulated crypto trading once Russia’s new rules take effect.

The Bank of Russia plans to finalize crypto laws by July 1, 2026, with fines for unlicensed trading starting July 1, 2027. 

Moscow Exchange is building new trading and settlement systems, while St. Petersburg Exchange says its setup is mostly ready. This follows a 2024 rule change allowing qualified investors to trade crypto on licensed platforms.