Russia's largest bank is positioning itself to enter the cryptocurrency market as the country's regulatory framework takes shape. Sberbank Senior Vice President Ruslan Vesterovsky confirmed at the Moscow Exchange forum that the institution will offer crypto trading services once domestic regulations and organized exchange trading are established.
Regulatory Framework Takes Shape
The Bank of Russia published its cryptocurrency regulation concept in December 2025, establishing guidelines for both qualified and non-qualified investors to access digital assets. The framework permits qualified and non-qualified investors to purchase crypto assets and stablecoins, though domestic payments using cryptocurrencies remain prohibited.
Non-qualified investors face specific restrictions under the proposal:
- Access limited to the most liquid cryptocurrencies
- Annual purchase limit of 300,000 rubles
- Required to pass a qualification test
- Transactions through a single intermediary
The State Duma advanced comprehensive crypto legislation through its first reading with strong support—327 of 340 deputies voted in favor. The bill classifies cryptocurrency as property, enabling its use in legal disputes, and introduces tiered investor categories, regulated custody requirements, and infrastructure mandates for mining operations. Lawmakers must complete two additional readings before the legislation becomes law, with authorities targeting July 1, 2026, for completion.
Workforce and Market Implications
Sberbank's crypto expansion follows significant growth in its digital financial asset operations, which reached 408 billion rubles in 2025—substantially exceeding 2024 levels. The bank also issued a pilot crypto-backed loan to Intelion Data in December 2025, secured by mined bitcoin through a proprietary custody system.
For blockchain professionals, Russia's regulatory push creates new opportunities in compliance, custody infrastructure, exchange platform development, and intermediary services. Licensed intermediaries supervised by the Bank of Russia will require teams with expertise in both traditional finance and digital assets. The legislation's focus on domestic infrastructure for mining operations also signals demand for technical talent in blockchain development and operations.
The bill's restrictions on peer-to-peer activity and mandatory use of domestic infrastructure indicate a controlled market environment that prioritizes regulatory oversight. Web3 professionals considering opportunities in Russia should monitor the legislation's final form through its remaining readings, as revisions may affect market structure and employment prospects.
