Sberbank to launch regulated crypto platform by Dec 1 2026

Russia's largest bank, Sberbank, plans to launch a regulated cryptocurrency trading and custody infrastructure by December 1, 2026, positioning itself at the forefront of the country's newly formalized digital asset market. The bank aims to establish a digital depository and supporting systems for trading, custody, and settlement in time for the rollout of a comprehensive national regulatory framework.

The broader regulatory environment is set to begin on September 1, 2026, establishing rules for cryptocurrency exchanges, brokers, banks, and digital depositories. Companies operating under the new framework will have until July 1, 2027, to obtain the necessary licenses and achieve full compliance. Sberbank's December target places its project within this transition period.

According to reports, Sberbank's planned digital depository will record customers' cryptocurrency ownership and process many transactions outside of public blockchain networks. The bank will manage active wallets to facilitate customer deposits, withdrawals, and transfers of assets. Alexander Vedyakhin, Sberbank's first deputy chairman, stated the bank intends to complete the required systems before the...