Russia's Sberbank to Launch Crypto Trading and Custody Services by December 2026

  Russia's largest bank is preparing to enter the crypto market in a major way. Sberbank, which controls roughly one-third of all banking assets in Russia, plans to launch regulated cryptocurrency trading, custody, and settlement infrastructure by December 1, 2026. Key Fact: Sberbank's crypto services launch follows Russia's new digital asset law taking effect September 1, 2026. What's Driving the Timeline The rollout is tied to Russia's "On Digital Currency and Digital Rights" law, which takes effect September 1 and creates a licensing system for crypto trading, custody, and cross-border settlement. Licensed intermediaries will have until July 1, 2027 to fully comply. Sberbank's First Deputy Chairman Kirill Tsarev said the bank would roll out a crypto wallet first through its Sberbank Online and SberInvestments platforms, integrating the new services into its existing digital ecosystem. A Digital Depository, Not Just a Wallet According to Interfax, Sb...