Sberbank to accept Bitcoin, Ethereum, and Tether as loan collateral under new Russian crypto rules
Sberbank, Russia’s largest bank, plans to accept Bitcoin, Ethereum, and the Tether stablecoin—a type of cryptocurrency pegged to the US dollar—as collateral for loans. This move depends on two conditions: the Bank of Russia permitting these assets for public use and the country’s new crypto regulations taking full effect.
Bank sees business demand for crypto-backed loans
Anatoly Popov, deputy chairman of Sberbank’s management board, said businesses—especially crypto miners and companies holding large amounts of digital assets—have asked for loans that let them access cash without selling their Bitcoin. He added that better ways to value digital collateral could make the service available to more clients.
The bank has already tested the idea. In December 2025, Sberbank issued a corporate loan to Russian mining operator Intelion Data, using crypto mined by the company as collateral. The bank stored the pledged assets in its own system with a Rutoken hardware device to secure them during the loan period.
New regulations replace earlier experimental approach
Russia’s new crypto law will take effect on September 1, 2026, replacing an earlier plan for an experimental legal regime. The Bank of Russia abandoned that approach in December 2025, stating there was not enough time to test it and then build a permanent system.
The new framework will include existing financial institutions, crypto exchanges, and digital repositories. It will also apply to foreign stablecoins like Tether. Russia will continue to ban crypto payments within the country. Businesses have until July 1, 2027, to obtain licenses and comply with the new rules.
What is confirmed
- Sberbank plans to accept Bitcoin, Ethereum, and Tether as loan collateral.
- The plan depends on the Bank of Russia allowing these assets for public circulation and the new crypto law taking full effect.
- Sberbank has already tested crypto-backed loans with a pilot transaction for Intelion Data in December 2025.
- Russia’s new crypto regulations start on September 1, 2026, with a transition period until July 1, 2027.
- Crypto payments remain banned in Russia.
Why this matters
This move could provide liquidity options for Russian businesses holding crypto, particularly miners, without forcing them to sell their assets. It also signals a step toward integrating digital assets into Russia’s traditional financial system under regulated conditions.
Sources
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