Sberbank Secures Bank of Russia Approval to Launch Crypto Trading in December

Russia's largest bank, Sberbank, has obtained central bank approval to offer cryptocurrency trading alongside custody services, targeting a December 1, 2026 launch for Bitcoin, Ether, and Tether across its digital banking platforms. The Bank of Russia expanded its registers to include 10 exchange operators and six digital asset custodians under a framework enacted on September 1. Sberbank previously initiated pilot testing of crypto trading, deposits, and withdrawals within its Sberbank Online app. While regulated custody and trading are permitted, domestic payments for goods and services remain strictly banned.