Sberbank, Russia’s largest bank, is preparing to expand its cryptocurrency operations with trading infrastructure and a digital asset depository planned for launch by December 1, 2026.

First Deputy Chairman Alexander Vedyakhin confirmed the timeline through Interfax. The planned rollout will be integrated directly into Sberbank Online and SberInvestments, the bank’s two main applications. The initiative follows Russia’s new digital currency law, which the State Duma adopted on July 21.

Because the services are planned for Sberbank’s existing retail and investment platforms, the project could place regulated crypto access inside applications already used by the bank’s clients. The scope, however, remains tied to the new legal framework, including limits on eligible assets, investor categories, and licensed intermediaries.

Sberbank’s Crypto Infrastructure Plan

At the center of Sberbank’s plan is a digital depository designed to track clients’ cryptocurrency ownership and record transactions that take place outside the main blockchain, according to Interfax.

Vedyakhin described the system as one that will also process active wallet transfers for client currency orders. Sberbank aims to make the infrastructure fully operational by the December 1 deadline.

The bank is presenting the depository as a core component of a broader framework rather than as the final stage of the project. Additional elements, including licensing structures for new categories of intermediaries, still require regulatory approval.

Vedyakhin said Sber remains prepared to continue working with regulators. He identified unfinished bylaws covering depository systems, accounting frameworks, and intermediary licensing as areas where further work is still needed. Those bylaws are a key item to monitor because they will determine how the planned custody, accounting, and trading functions can operate in practice.

Russia’s Largest Bank Sberbank Plans Crypto Trading Infrastructure Sberbank, Russia’s largest bank, plans to build cryptocurrency trading infrastructure and launch a digital custody system by Dec. 1 to support regulated crypto trading, custody and settlement. The system will… pic.twitter.com/ZMMCxIfmag — Wu Blockchain (@WuBlockchain) July 25, 2026

Russia’s Largest Bank Sberbank Plans Crypto Trading Infrastructure

Sberbank, Russia’s largest bank, plans to build cryptocurrency trading infrastructure and launch a digital custody system by Dec. 1 to support regulated crypto trading, custody and settlement. The system will… pic.twitter.com/ZMMCxIfmag

— Wu Blockchain (@WuBlockchain) July 25, 2026

Russia’s Digital Currency Law Provides the Framework

Russia’s new law, “On Digital Currencies and Digital Rights,” is scheduled to take effect on September 1. The legislation establishes a regulatory structure for cryptocurrency activity in the country.

The law covers areas including purchases by citizens through licensed intermediaries, exchange trading, and clearing. Public trading under the framework will remain limited to highly liquid assets.

Non-qualified investors will face an annual cap of about $3,800 under the new rules. Requirements for licensed intermediaries are expected to take effect from July 2027, giving market participants additional time to adapt.

The phased structure allows banks such as Sberbank to begin building infrastructure while the full licensing framework is still being developed. The law passed its third reading on July 21, clearing the way for implementation in the fall.

Sberbank’s Digital Asset Background

Sberbank has already been active in digital assets. The bank has been listed on Russia’s register of information system operators since 2022 and has participated in the development of the country’s digital financial asset market.

Since 2025, Sberbank has offered qualified investors structured bonds and digital financial assets tied to Bitcoin and Ethereum. The bank also introduced cryptocurrency baskets for the same investor category during that period.

In December 2025, Sberbank completed a pilot project for cryptocurrency-secured lending. Vedyakhin said the pilot primarily tested the technical process of using crypto as loan collateral.

That existing activity gives Sberbank a base as it works toward its December 2026 target. The bank’s experience with Bitcoin-linked products and digital financial asset offerings comes as sanctions continue pushing Russia’s financial sector toward alternative crypto channels.