Russia expands access to cryptocurrencies: Russian banks prepare new financial instruments

Recent decisions by Moscow regulators signal a turning point regarding the Central Bank of Russia’s stance on digital assets. Following the publication of a comprehensive regulation plan for the crypto space, leading financial institutions in the country are rushing to develop new services for clients. This involves not only policy changes but also concrete steps toward integrating cryptocurrencies into the traditional financial system.

Sberbank Develops a Digital Asset Collateralized Lending Scheme

Known for its government support, Sberbank is becoming a pioneer in launching next-generation credit products. According to local media, Deputy Chairman of the Board Anatoly Popov announced plans to issue ruble loans in exchange for cryptocurrency collateral.

The bank has already signaled its readiness to work closely with Moscow’s monetary authorities in developing the regulatory framework for such operations. “The regulation of the cryptocurrency market in Russia is still in its early stages, and we are ready to actively participate in creating the necessary infrastructure together with the regulator,” said top executive Popov to a leading Russian news agency.

At the same time, Sberbank continues to increase financing volumes through its own digital assets platform. Since the beginning of this year, the financial institution has issued over 160 digital financial instrument offerings, including revolutionary tokens for the domestic market based on real estate and oil assets.

Central Bank of Russia Reforms the Regulatory Framework

The new concept published this week by the Bank of Russia radically revises the status of cryptocurrencies within the Russian financial system. According to key provisions of the document, Bitcoin, Ethereum, and other digital coins will receive official recognition as “currency assets.”

The most significant change involves expanding the market participant base. Until now, investing in cryptocurrencies was a privilege reserved for “highly qualified” investors. The new regulatory framework proposes granting access to non-professional retail investors for digital asset purchases, going far beyond the existing “experimental legal regime,” initially designed for three years.

However, the monetary authority has maintained a cautious tone, still classifying cryptocurrencies as highly volatile instruments with increased risk. The Central Bank has indicated a preference for using Russia’s existing financial infrastructure for crypto operations.

Legislative initiatives have already been submitted to government authorities, and the financial regulator expects amendments to be approved by July 1, 2026.

Russia’s Digital Asset Market Moves to a New Level

Planned reforms encompass not only cryptocurrencies but also the entire ecosystem of digital financial assets (CFA). The existing legislation, in effect since 2021 and legalizing the issuance and circulation of domestic digital instruments, will undergo significant modernization.

A key change will concern the geography of tokenized asset issuance. Moscow Exchange (MOEX) and Saint Petersburg Exchange (SPB) have already announced their readiness to start cryptocurrency trading, which will open opportunities for Russian companies to list CFA on public blockchain networks instead of the current practice of using only private solutions.

This transition will attract foreign investments into domestic tokenization projects of real assets. A recent example is Alfa-Bank (the largest private financial institution in the country)’s launch of a digital instrument tokenizing fuel. This product, issued on behalf of the “Trassa” network, combines financing with a marketing loyalty program.

These steps collectively demonstrate that Russia is moving from an experimental approach to systematic integration of cryptocurrencies and digital assets into the national financial infrastructure. The anticipated effective regulation in 2026 creates an opportunity window for Russian financial institutions and technology companies.