Sberbank Mulling Crypto Loans as Russia Eases Rules

Crypto loans are under review at Russia’s largest bank as Sberbank studies how digital assets could fit into its lending business under current law. The bank says any move will depend on clear rules and close work with regulators before customers are offered loans secured by cryptocurrency.

Russia Sberbank Weighs Crypto Loans With Caution

Anatoly Popov, deputy chairman of Sberbank’s management board, said the bank is looking at lending in rubles backed by crypto assets. He explained that the idea is still at an early stage and cannot move forward without legal support from the state. Russia’s rules on cryptocurrency remain limited, which means banks must act carefully.

Popov said Sberbank is working with government bodies to design systems that would protect both borrowers and the bank. Any future loans would be issued in rubles, while crypto would serve only as collateral. 

This structure allows the bank to stay within the national currency system while testing new tools. He added that an announcement could come once technical and legal questions are settled.

Earlier this year, JPMorgan Chase, the largest bank in the United States by assets, moved to allow its trading and wealth management clients to use crypto-related assets. 

A Long Path Into Digital Assets

Sberbank’s interest in crypto-backed loans is tied to years of work in blockchain technology. The bank began early tests in 2015 and later set up a blockchain laboratory in 2018. Those efforts helped shape its approach to regulated digital products rather than open crypto trading.

In March 2022, the Bank of Russia granted Sberbank a license to issue and exchange Digital Financial Assets. Since early 2025, the bank has completed more than 160 digital asset issuances on its own platform. 

These projects focus on structured funding rather than public speculation. Popov said the bank also follows decentralized finance to see how it may support existing services, not replace them.

Russia’s Banks Prepare for New Rules

The review of crypto-backed loans comes as Russia slowly adjusts its stance on digital assets. Officials see crypto as one tool to ease pressure from foreign restrictions, but controls remain strict. 

The Bank of Russia recently proposed changes aimed at wider access with strong investor protection. A full framework is expected by mid 2026.

Other banks are moving as well. VTB has said it plans to allow spot crypto trading for wealthy clients in 2026. 

For now, Sberbank says its focus remains on building safe products that match future law, with crypto-backed loans still firmly in the planning phase. No launch date has been set and talks continue.