Russia’s Sberbank to launch crypto trading infrastructure this year
Sberbank plans to build cryptocurrency trading infrastructure by Dec. 1, including a digital depository to record crypto ownership and handle transactions outside the main blockchain. It will also support active wallets for client deposits, withdrawals, and transfers. The move comes as Russia advances its first comprehensive crypto market framework, which would bring trading, custody, and settlement into the regulated financial system. The bill gives the Bank of Russia broad oversight, including which assets may be offered and the rules for licensed intermediaries. It also defines regulated participants such as exchanges, brokers, custodians, asset managers, and exchange service providers, with the framework set to take effect on Sept. 1, 2026. At the same time, the EU and UK are tightening sanctions on crypto firms linked to Russia, including HTX.
