Sberbank plans crypto trading infrastructure and digital custody by Dec 2026 under Russia’s new digital asset law. Sberbank, Russia’s largest bank, is preparing a major push into cryptocurrency. The bank plans to launch trading infrastructure and a digital asset depository by December 1, 2026.  First Deputy Chairman Alexander Vedyakhin confirmed the timeline through Interfax. The rollout will connect directly to Sberbank Online and SberInvestments, the bank’s two flagship apps. It follows Russia’s new digital currency law, which the State Duma adopted on July 21. Sberbank’s New Crypto Infrastructure Plan The digital depository sits at the center of Sberbank’s plan. It will track clients’ cryptocurrency ownership and record transactions that happen off the main blockchain, as reported by Interfax.  Vedyakhin described it as a system that also processes active wallet transfers for client currency orders. Sberbank intends to have this infrastructure fully operational by the December 1 deadline. The bank frames the depository as a foundation piece, not the final product.  More components, including licensing structures for new types of intermediaries, still need regulatory approval. Vedyakhin noted that Sber remains ready to keep working alongside regulators. He pointed to unfinished bylaws covering depository systems, accounting frameworks, and intermediary licensing as ongoing work. Russia’s Largest Bank Sberbank Plans Crypto Trading Infrastructure Sberbank, Russia’s largest bank, plans to build cryptocurrency trading infrastructure and launch a digital custody system by Dec. 1 to support regulated crypto trading, custody and settlement. The system will… pic.twitter.com/ZMMCxIfmag — Wu Blockchain (@WuBlockchain) July 25, 2026 Russia’s Digital Currency Law Sets the Stage Russia’s new law, “On Digital Currencies and Digital Rights,” takes effect September 1. It builds a full regulatory structure around crypto activity in the country.  The law covers everything from citizen purchases through licensed intermediaries to exchange trading and clearing. Public trading under the law stays limited to highly liquid assets. Non-qualified investors face an annual cap near $3,800 under the new rules. Licensed intermediary requirements, meanwhile, are expected to kick in from July 2027, giving the market a longer runway to adapt. This phased approach lets banks like Sberbank build infrastructure now while full licensing rules catch up later. The law passed its third reading on July 21, clearing the way for implementation this fall. Read also: Russian Parliament Approves Comprehensive Crypto Legislation Sberbank’s Track Record With Digital Assets Sberbank isn’t new to digital assets.  The bank has sat on Russia’s register of information system operators since 2022. It has played an active role in developing the country’s digital financial asset market since then. Since 2025, Sberbank has offered qualified investors structured bonds and digital financial assets tied to Bitcoin and Ethereum. The bank also introduced cryptocurrency baskets for the same investor group during that period. In December 2025, Sberbank wrapped up a pilot project for cryptocurrency-secured lending. Vedyakhin said the pilot mainly tested the technical side of handling crypto as loan collateral. This history gives Sberbank a working base as it moves toward its December 2026 target. The bank’s experience with bitcoin-linked products and DFA offerings comes as sanctions continue pushing Russia’s financial sector toward alternative crypto channels. The post Russia’s Banking Giant Sberbank Makes a Massive Crypto Move appeared first on Live Bitcoin News.

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