Russia’s largest bank Sberbank plans corporate crypto-backed loans after a successful pilot, aligning expansion with national crypto regulations.
Russia’s largest lender Sberbank is preparing to roll out crypto-backed loans for corporate clients. According to Reuters, the decision comes after a successful pilot carried out in late 2025 which saw strong demand. Meanwhile, the bank said it is ready to coordinate closely with the Russian central bank.
Sberbank Expands Crypto-Backed Lending After Pilot Success
Sberbank verified the pilot was Russia’s first corporate loan secured by digital currency. The transaction was made on late December 2025 with a mining firm. As a result, the bank developed operational confidence in crypto-collateralized lending.
The pilot loan was issued in rubles to AO Intelion Data, a large mining company. The collateral was in the form of self-mined cryptocurrency owned by the borrower. Therefore, the structure diminished the exposure to markets while not impairing the security of assets.
For securing the collateral, Sberbank used its own hardware solution: Rutoken. This system kept the pledged digital assets in controlled conditions. As a result, the issue of custody risks was internal without the reliance on third parties.
Initially, the lending expansion is oriented towards the high-demand corporate sectors. Crypto mining companies continue to be the main focus because of predictable flows of assets. However, Sberbank is planning to open the criteria for more than just miners.
The bank said it is looking to serve any legal entity holding crypto assets. This includes companies with digital assets that are recorded on balance sheets. Accordingly, corporate adoption is at the core of the rollout strategy.
Sberbank’s move is similar to what other global peers have been doing. JPMorgan is looking at crypto-backed lending structures. In the meantime, Wells Fargo already offers such products in select markets.
Regulatory framework shapes rollout timeline
The complete implementation of the rollout is based on the Russian crypto legislation that is gradually being made. Authorities are aimed on July 1, 2026 for the finalization of the regulatory framework. Until this time expansion will be cautious.
The Russian central bank currently classifies cryptocurrencies as foreign exchange assets. This allows for purchase and sale activities. However, cryptocurrency-based domestic payments are still banned.
Sberbank confirmed active cooperation with the Bank of Russia. Together, they are working on developing compliance and technical standards. Therefore, regulatory alignment is still a priority.
Cryptocurrencies are playing an increasing role in the economy and foreign trade of Russia. Western sanctions have limited transactions in world currencies. As a result, digital assets became relevant when it comes to cross-border activity.
Sberbank recognized these larger economic conditions. The bank considers crypto-backed lending a reasonable financial tool. For this reason, corporate demand only keeps increasing.
The competitive environment is changing domestically as well. Sovcombank becomes the first Russian lender to provide crypto-backed loans. It released Bitcoin-backed products on February 5, 2026.
Sberbank’s strategy is not limited only to lending. In January 2026, RUB 231bn in Digital Financial Assets has been issued on its platform. That number was more than half the volume of 2025’s total volume.
Sberbank stressed they’re willing to scale upon regulations being finalized. Management is hoping for clearer rules in order to speed up adoption. Accordingly, July 2026 is still a critical milestone.
Overall, Sberbank is a leader of the digital finance transformation in Russia. Crypto-backed lending is part innovation, part necessity. The implementation may repattern corporate financing in tight global markets.