Russia's largest lender, Sberbank, plans to launch cryptocurrency trading infrastructure and a digital depository by Dec. 1, 2026, as Russia prepares to implement a new regulatory framework for the crypto sector.

According to Interfax, the planned platform will support regulated cryptocurrency trading, custody and settlement services. Russia's broader crypto rules are scheduled to take effect on Sept. 1, with licensing requirements for exchanges, custodians and other regulated participants extending through July 2027.

Sberbank is preparing to operate a digital depository and custody wallets while supporting regulated cryptocurrency transactions and settlements under the incoming framework. The plan places the state-linked banking group among the major Russian financial institutions moving crypto activity into licensed infrastructure as regulators define which firms may provide access, custody and market services.

Sberbank Outlines Digital Custody System

According to Interfax, Sberbank's digital depository will record customers' cryptocurrency ownership while processing most transactions outside public blockchain networks. The bank will also operate active wallets that support customer deposits, withdrawals and transfers.

Alexander Vedyakhin, Sberbank's first deputy chairman, said the lender expects to complete the required infrastructure before Dec. 1. The bank has not disclosed which cryptocurrencies will be supported, what fees may apply, whether withdrawal limits will be imposed, or which customers will be eligible to use the services.

Under the proposed structure, customers would hold recorded crypto rights within Sberbank's internal system. Sberbank would manage custody wallets when customers move assets to or from external addresses. That structure makes the bank's internal records and wallet operations central to how customers access assets under the regulated model, rather than relying solely on direct blockchain-based transfers for every transaction.

Russia Sets Requirements for Crypto Market Participants

Sberbank's project follows the Federation Council's approval of legislation covering cryptocurrency brokers, exchanges, asset managers and digital depositories. The framework is set to become effective on Sept. 1, while regulated firms must complete licensing requirements by July 2027.

Under the rules, public trading will focus on cryptocurrencies that meet the Bank of Russia's liquidity standards. Eligible assets must have an average market capitalization above five trillion rubles and average daily trading volume above one trillion rubles over a two-year period.

Qualified investors will be able to access a broader range of digital assets. Non-qualified investors, meanwhile, must complete a knowledge test and will face an annual purchase limit of 300,000 rubles through a single intermediary. The distinction between qualified and non-qualified investors is a key part of the framework because it determines how broad public access to crypto products will be once licensed platforms begin operating.

Sberbank Builds on Existing Digital Asset Services

Sberbank has already expanded its digital asset offerings ahead of the new regulatory regime. Last year, it introduced structured bonds linked to Bitcoin, and in December it launched a Bitcoin-backed lending pilot with miner Intelion Data.

According to Reuters, the bank has also examined regulated cryptocurrency custody and proposed banking infrastructure for storing customer crypto assets. Other major Russian financial institutions, including VTB, T-Bank, Moscow Exchange and Alfa-Bank, are also preparing crypto-related services under Russia's incoming regulatory framework. The next milestones for the sector include the Sept. 1 start of the rules, the licensing process through July 2027, and further disclosures from banks on supported assets, eligibility and operational terms.