Sberbank has been added to the Bank of Russia's register of crypto exchange organizations, joining a growing list of authorized firms. The listing brings the total number of registered exchange organizations to ten.
The registration allows Sberbank to buy and sell digital currencies on its own account outside organized trading, according to the central bank's definition. Sberbank and VTB are now the only two firms registered on both the exchange register and the separate digital depository register.
Regulatory Timeline
Applications for both registers opened on October 5. The Bank of Russia admitted the first batch on October 6, adding four crypto exchange organizations and five depositories. Subsequent additions followed on October 8, 9, and Monday, when Sberbank and Paradise Technology joined the exchange list.
Registered firms must follow the central bank's rules for crypto transactions from the day of listing. Full compliance with Russia's digital currency law, which entered into force on September 1, is required by September 1, 2027.
Sberbank's Crypto Offering
Sberbank secured a license to issue and exchange digital assets in March 2022. Since 2025, the bank has sold structured bonds and digital financial assets tied to Bitcoin and Ethereum. In December 2025, Sberbank completed a pilot program for loans backed by crypto collateral.
According to statements from Sberbank's First Deputy Chairman, the bank planned to build crypto trading infrastructure and a digital depository by December 1. Initial offerings will include Bitcoin, Ethereum, and the stablecoin Tether, accessible through existing SberBank Online, SberInvestments, and SberBusiness platforms with no separate application required.
The bank noted that the launch date depends on the central bank's decision on its full application and the readiness of regulations to implement the law.
