Catenaa, Friday, July 18, 2025-Sberbank, Russia’s largest state-owned lender, has formally requested approval to offer crypto custody services, signaling a strategic shift in Moscow’s digital asset stance amid tightening Western sanctions.
The bank has submitted proposals to Russia’s central bank that would treat cryptocurrency holdings similarly to traditional bank deposits, allowing for secure storage, legal oversight, and even enforcement tools such as token freezes.
The move marks a notable departure from the Kremlin’s earlier hardline position against decentralized assets.
The proposed custody framework would integrate crypto storage into existing financial structures to boost trust and operational safety.
The push comes amid escalating geopolitical tensions that have pushed Russian policymakers to embrace crypto for economic resilience.
In 2024, the central bank approved digital assets for cross-border payments, offering firms a workaround to US and EU financial restrictions.
Sberbank’s initiative coincides with fresh regulatory momentum in Moscow. Lawmakers passed a bill this week setting a September 2026 deadline for the nationwide rollout of the digital ruble, Russia’s central bank digital currency (CBDC).
