Russia’s Sberbank Explores Crypto-Backed Loans, Awaits Regulatory Framework
Russia’s largest bank, Sberbank, is considering offering crypto-collateralized loans, but the bank’s Deputy Chairman, Anatoly Popov, emphasizes that regulatory support will be crucial in making this a reality.
Sberbank is contemplating a plan to provide ruble loans secured by cryptocurrency, which would require cooperation with regulators to establish the necessary legal and technical infrastructure. The bank has already begun exploring the possibility of cryptocurrency-backed lending, according to Popov.
Regulatory Challenges and Future Plans
Popov acknowledged that Russia’s cryptocurrency regulatory framework is still in its early stages, and as a result, the bank will work closely with the government to develop relevant solutions. He expressed optimism that the bank can announce such deals soon, pending the development of a suitable regulatory environment.
Meanwhile, Sberbank has continued to expand its financing capabilities, with over 160 digital asset issuances on its proprietary platform since the beginning of 2025. The bank’s involvement in the blockchain space dates back to 2015, when it launched pilot programs to test the technology, leading to the establishment of a dedicated blockchain laboratory in 2018.
DeFi and Tokenization
Sberbank is also actively monitoring developments in the DeFi ecosystem, assessing how DeFi-based products can complement traditional banking services. The bank is particularly interested in asset tokenization, which it believes can serve as a bridge between traditional finance and decentralized platforms. Popov noted that the bank plans to connect with existing DeFi ecosystems rather than developing isolated systems.
As Russia becomes increasingly interested in crypto as a means of mitigating the impact of Western sanctions, Russian financial institutions are taking steps to position themselves for the transition. The Bank of Russia has proposed legislative changes to expand access to cryptocurrencies with strict investor protections, aiming to have a functioning regulatory framework in place by July 2026.
For more information, visit the original article at https://crypto.news/russias-sberbank-eyes-crypto-backed-loans-says-regulatory-support-will-be-key/
