Russia's largest private bank Alfa-Bank tests crypto trading
Alfa-Bank is preparing to enter Russia’s regulated crypto market once new digital asset rules take effect. The bank plans to launch cryptocurrency services and has already begun testing crypto trading in its Alfa-Investments app with a small group of qualified investors. The test reportedly included Bitcoin, Ether, Solana, Litecoin, Tether, USDC, and Zcash. Alfa-Bank said wider retail access could come after Russia completes the legal framework, with a possible rollout in late 2026. A key part of its plan is creating a “digital depository,” or crypto custodian, to store and manage digital assets for its own services and potentially for other firms. The move aligns with similar plans from Sber, VTB, and T-Bank as Russia advances crypto legislation under Bank of Russia oversight.
