Russia clears Sberbank for crypto trading ahead of December launch
Summary
Russia’s central bank has authorized Sberbank to trade cryptocurrencies, adding it to a register that now lists 10 exchange operators and six digital custodians. Sberbank is testing crypto purchases, sales, deposits and withdrawals through its app and plans to offer Bitcoin, Ether and USDT from Dec. 1, 2026, subject to further regulation. The approvals follow new rules placing exchanges and custodians under central bank oversight; crypto payments for goods and services remain prohibited.
