Sberbank has started testing DeFi products amid rising crypto demand, while clearly signaling its interest in asset tokenization and public blockchains such as Ethereum.
As Russia’s largest bank, Sberbank has taken concrete steps into decentralized finance in response to rapidly growing client demand for crypto trading and custody services. Bank executives confirmed that multiple DeFi products are currently being tested as part of a broader strategic review.
Management also highlighted that the bank’s focus is not limited to crypto trading, but extends to asset tokenization and technical connectivity with DeFi platforms. These areas are viewed as increasingly important for the future structure of the financial sector.
Ethereum stood out as a key point in the bank’s assessment. Sberbank emphasized that public blockchains like Ethereum, with mature infrastructure and smart contract capabilities, offer a more established foundation for DeFi integration. This shift signals a notable change in how major Russian financial institutions are approaching crypto and blockchain technologies.
