Russia's Largest Bank Wins Approval to Trade Crypto This December
Sberbank gets central bank sign-off for December crypto launch
Russia's largest bank, Sberbank, has received authorization from the Bank of Russia to operate as a crypto exchange. The bank plans to begin trading on December 1, 2026.
The approval was confirmed when the Bank of Russia published an updated register on Tuesday, October 13, listing 10 authorized crypto exchange operators and six digital custodians — up from four exchange operators and five custodians just a week earlier.
Sberbank is expected to offer Bitcoin (BTC), Ether (ETH), and Tether's USDT, a stablecoin pegged to the US dollar, through its existing digital platforms: SberBank Online, SberInvestments, and SberBusiness.
Key numbers and names
- 10 authorized crypto exchange operators and 6 digital custodians now listed by the Bank of Russia
- Three cryptocurrencies planned at launch: Bitcoin, Ether, and Tether's USDT
- Target launch date: December 1, 2026
- Other approved entities include VTB, T-Invest Lab, and Atomyze
What Sberbank has already done
According to a report from Russian business newspaper Vedomosti on Thursday, Sberbank has already started testing crypto purchases, sales, deposits, and withdrawals through its SberBank Online app. The report cited the bank's press office.
The bank also said it had been among the first to secure digital custodian status, which it obtained the previous Tuesday.
New Russian crypto rules take effect
These registrations follow new crypto regulations that took effect on September 1. Under the rules, crypto exchange operators and custodians must be supervised by the Bank of Russia.
Russia still prohibits the use of cryptocurrencies to pay for goods and services. The new framework regulates trading and custody, not everyday payments.
What is confirmed and what is uncertain
Confirmed: Sberbank appears on the Bank of Russia's updated register as an authorized crypto exchange operator. The bank has stated its intention to launch on December 1, 2026, and is testing crypto functions in its app.
Uncertain: The final launch date may shift. Sberbank noted that the timeline depends on additional regulations from the central bank. No specific new rules have been announced in the available material.
Sources
Newisty Editorial Team covers technology, cryptocurrency, digital products, online platforms, developer tools and the wider digital economy. Our content is researched from official sources, company announcements, public documentation, market data and other primary or reputable sources. Articles are reviewed and edited before publication for clarity, accuracy and useful context.