Russia’s Sberbank Explores Crypto-Backed Loans Amid Regulatory Evolution
Sberbank, Russia’s largest state-owned bank, is cautiously advancing into cryptocurrency by evaluating ruble loans secured with digital assets. Deputy Chairman Anatoly Popov emphasized the bank’s collaborative approach with regulators, noting Russia’s nascent crypto market framework. The initiative focuses solely on collateralized lending—not payments—building on Sberbank’s existing digital asset infrastructure, including tokenized commodities.
The move reflects a measured institutional embrace of crypto amid shifting Russian policies. Sberbank’s licensed digital asset platform positions it to pioneer structured crypto-financial products, though implementation awaits regulatory clarity.