Russia’s largest bank Sberbank announced that it has started working with regulators on infrastructure preparations for ruble-denominated loans backed by crypto assets.
As debates over cryptocurrency regulation continue in Russia, the move by the country’s financial heavyweight stands out. Bank executives confirmed that loan models accepting digital assets as collateral are being actively evaluated. This development is seen as a major milestone for integrating crypto assets into traditional banking products.
Speaking to state news agency TASS, Sberbank Deputy Chairman of the Management Board Anatoly Popov said that the regulatory framework for crypto markets is still at an early stage. He emphasized that the bank is ready to cooperate closely with regulators and that the necessary infrastructure could soon be formally discussed with public authorities.
According to the bank, the initiative goes beyond crypto-backed lending. Sberbank has also expanded its activities in digital financial assets, completing more than 160 digital asset issuances on its platform since the start of the year. These include digital products backed by real estate and oil. Analysts suggest this strategy signals a shift toward a more controlled yet inclusive phase in Russia’s crypto policy, potentially opening new financing options for both individual and institutional participants.
