As Russia moves to establish a comprehensive digital assets framework this year, the country’s largest bank is reportedly planning to issue crypto-backed loans to corporate clients following a successful pilot conducted in December.
Sberbank Ready To Expand Crypto-Backed Loans
On Thursday, Reuters reported that Russia’s largest bank by assets, Sberbank, is preparing to offer crypto-backed loans to corporate clients amid strong corporate interest in the digital asset sector.
Sberbank is finalizing the necessary infrastructure and methodology for the potential scaling of crypto-backed lending, a spokesperson told news media outlets, and is ready to work with the Central Bank of Russia (CBR) to develop regulations.
“We are ready to engage in dialogue with the Central Bank to develop appropriate regulatory solutions for the launch of such services. Our work with clients whose activities are related to cryptocurrencies is carried out in several areas and is based on a deep understanding of their business models and risk profiles,” the bank shared with news media agency RIA Novosti.
The bank affirmed that interest from corporate clients is a good opportunity, but noted that clear regulation is necessary. It explained that a transition to a permanent regime of lending secured by digital assets and its mass implementation will depend on the development of the regulatory environment.
In December 2025, Sberbank conducted a successful pilot crypto‑backed loan to a crypto mining company, offering a loan against the digital assets the firm had mined. Now, Russia’s largest bank aims to expand its services to companies holding digital assets, following similar moves by global institutions such as JPMorgan and Wells Fargo.
“Sberbank has already conducted one pilot project on lending secured by cryptocurrency,” the statement explained. “Its main goal was to test the technological aspects of working with this type of collateral. We are currently analyzing its results and finalizing the necessary infrastructure and methodology for the potential scaling of such products.”
Sberbank’s domestic rival, Sovkombank, recently affirmed that it was the first Russian lender to start issuing crypto-backed loans. In a Thursday statement, Russia’s ninth-largest bank revealed it had begun offering Bitcoin-backed loans to individuals and corporations who legally own digital assets.
“Sovcombank sees the potential for partnerships with all participants in the crypto industry — from miners and data center operators to crypto exchanges and exchangers,” said Marina Burdonova, the bank’s compliance director, in a statement. “We are developing specialized products for each segment, such as cash management services with special features and conditions, loans and project financing, as well as risk management tools.”
Russia’s Upcoming Framework
These developments come as Russia works to implement its upcoming digital assets framework, which is expected to take effect by July. In December, the CBR unveiled its comprehensive regulatory proposals to enable retail and qualified investors to buy digital assets through licensed platforms in the country.
Under the central bank’s new rules, non-qualified investors will be allowed to purchase up to 300,000 rubles in the most liquid digital assets annually, following a knowledge test. Meanwhile, qualified investors will be able to acquire unlimited amounts of any digital asset after passing a risk-awareness test.
Notably, Russia’s leading stock exchanges, the Moscow Exchange (MOEX) and SPB Exchange, have shared their support for the CBR’s proposed framework. The institutions recently confirmed they are ready to launch crypto trading services as soon as the framework is enacted.
In addition, the Committee on State Building and Legislation at the State Duma, the lower house of the Federal Assembly of Russia, has also advanced a bill to complement the upcoming rules.
As reported by Bitcoinist, the ruling political party in Russia, the All-Russian Political Party United Russia, revealed that legislation to regulate the seizure of crypto assets in criminal proceedings was recommended for adoption in its upcoming third reading.
If approved, the bill would reduce the risks associated with the use of cryptocurrencies in criminal activities, such as money laundering, corruption, and terrorist financing.
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