Russia’s Largest Bank Sberbank Explores Crypto-Backed Loans

Russia’s biggest bank is taking a careful step toward crypto.

Sberbank, the country’s largest state-owned lender, has confirmed it is exploring loans secured by cryptocurrency. The idea is that borrowers could get ruble loans while using digital assets as collateral, instead of selling them outright.

The comments come as Russia’s stance on crypto begins to loosen.

Sberbank Confirms Early-Stage Plans

Sberbank Deputy Chairman Anatoly Popov said the bank is still in the evaluation phase and will not move ahead without regulators.

“We are currently exploring the possibility of lending secured by cryptocurrency. In Russia, crypto market regulation is still in its infancy, and we are ready to collaborate with the regulator in developing relevant solutions and creating the infrastructure for launching such services. I hope we will be able to announce such deals soon,” Popov said.

The focus would be on ruble lending, with crypto used strictly as collateral. There’s no indication that digital assets would be used as payment or settlement tools.

This Isn’t a Sudden Shift

Sberbank has already been building out its digital asset operations. Since the beginning of the year, the bank has organized more than 160 digital financial asset issues, including Russia’s first tokenized products linked to real estate and oil.

That track record helps explain why crypto-backed loans are now on the table. The bank already operates a licensed digital asset platform, making the move an extension of existing infrastructure rather than a new experiment.

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Regulation Is the Key Piece

Any rollout would require approval from the Central Bank of Russia, which continues to view crypto as a high-risk asset. Still, the regulatory environment is changing.

Earlier this week, the central bank released details of a broader crypto framework that would classify cryptocurrencies and stablecoins as “currency assets.” The plan also expands access beyond the current experimental regime and allows wider participation over time.

Lawmakers are expected to review the proposed changes, with full approval targeted for July 1, 2026.

Why This Matters

Sberbank’s comments signal something important: crypto is slowly finding a place inside Russia’s traditional financial system.

While no launch date has been set, the message is strong for the industry.

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