Sberbank Explores Crypto-Backed Loans Amid Russian Regulatory Shift

• Sberbank plans ruble loans secured by crypto, aiming to integrate digital assets into mainstream banking.
• CBR will recognize cryptocurrencies and stablecoins as “currency assets,” expanding retail investor access.
• Russian banks and exchanges, including Alfa-Bank, link real-world assets to blockchain, boosting market depth.

The largest bank in Russia, Sberbank, is actively researching the process of lending on the basis of cryptocurrencies. This indicates a major paradigm shift in the way the Russian banking sector perceives cryptocurrencies.

According to a TASS statement by the deputy chairman of the bank’s board of directors, Anatoly Popov, the bank is trying to learn more about the feasibility

The bank plans to provide loans in rubles that are collateralized with cryptocurrencies while working with regulators to establish infrastructure in place. Popov further clarified that Sberbank expects to see such collaborations in the short term, given that Russia is moving closer to defining crypto regulations.

Over 160 digital asset offerings, including those in the real estate and oil sectors, have been launched by Sberbank since the early part of 2025. Moreover, it is still developing financial instruments for digital assets on its digital assets platform.

The importance of being ready to collaborate with the authorities was also highlighted, with crypto regulation in Russia being in its very early stages, according to Popov. Such initiative places Sberbank at the foray of Russian financial firms that are geared at mainstreaming digital assets.

Regulatory Changes and Market Access

The Central Bank of Russia (CBR) recently released a concept for comprehensive crypto regulation. Under the plan, cryptocurrencies and stablecoins will be recognized as “currency assets.” Additionally, retail investors will gain access to Bitcoin, Ethereum, and other coins previously restricted to qualified investors.

The proposals aim to expand crypto access beyond the current three-year “experimental legal regime” while emphasizing high-risk awareness. CBR continues to prefer operations within Russia’s existing financial infrastructure. Legislative amendments implementing the strategy are expected to pass by July 1, 2026.

Besides Sberbank, Russia’s largest stock exchanges, MOEX and SPB, declared readiness to launch cryptocurrency trading. Moreover, Alfa-Bank announced a digital financial asset (DFA) tokenizing gasoline via the Trassa network, integrating loyalty programs with blockchain technology.

Consequently, Russian banks are increasingly linking real-world assets with digital platforms. The CBR’s proposals also allow domestic companies to issue DFAs on public blockchains, potentially attracting foreign investment and improving market depth.