Sberbank Forecasts $46 Billion in Crypto Trading Under Russia’s New Rules

Key Takeaways

• Russia’s largest bank, Sberbank, projects regulated crypto exchange trading volume could reach 4 trillion rubles ($46.4 billion) in the first year after new crypto legislation takes effect on September 1, 2026.
• The bank plans to launch loans backed by Bitcoin, Ethereum, and USDT once approved by the central bank.
• The new laws cap retail crypto purchases at 300,000 rubles ($3,700) per year per intermediary, ban crypto payments inside Russia, and allow cross-border crypto settlements for foreign trade.

Sberbank, Russia’s largest bank, forecasts regulated crypto trading volume on domestic exchanges to reach roughly 4 trillion rubles ($46.4 billion) in the first year of the new regulatory framework, the state news agency TASS reported.

Anatoly Popov, Sberbank’s deputy chairman, shared the forecast with state news agency TASS. He said that the crypto trading volume could grow to around 7.5 trillion rubles ($87.1 billion) by 2029 as the market matures under the new framework.

Why Now

The forecast comes as Russia’s new crypto regulatory framework takes effect on September 1. President Vladimir Putin signed a landmark law in early August that establishes the country’s regulatory framework for the cryptocurrency market.

Some provisions on how crypto assets are issued and circulated won’t take effect until September 1, 2027, and existing crypto exchanges get a grace period through March 1, 2027, to comply.

What the Rules Allow

Under the new rules, retail investors can buy the most liquid digital assets, but purchases are capped at 300,000 rubles ($3,700) per year per intermediary.

Qualified investors, by contrast, face no such limits and can buy any crypto assets.

The law still bans using crypto to pay for goods and services inside Russia. However, cross-border settlements are permitted for foreign trade contracts between Russian residents and non-residents.

Back in 2024, Russia reportedly began using crypto in international trade to counter Western sanctions.

Sberbank’s Crypto Push

In a separate Friday TASS report, Popov also confirmed that the bank will start issuing loans backed by Bitcoin (BTC), Ethereum (ETH), and USDT once the central bank approves them.

“We prepared for this in advance, and we already have practical experience working with cryptocurrency. As soon as the law comes into full force, we will adapt Sber’s existing products to the new requirements and begin consistently expanding their lineup. We will be able to expand the list immediately after all provisions of the new regulation come into force,” said Popov.

The lending plan builds on work already underway. According to TASS, Sberbank has provided qualified investors with structured bonds and digital finance assets tied to Bitcoin and Ether since 2025.

Additionally, the bank is reportedly targeting an early December launch of a crypto wallet in its Sber and Sber Investments apps, alongside a digital asset depository.

The Bigger Picture

The forecast from Sberbank signals how seriously the banking sector in Russia is preparing for a legal crypto market.

With a clear regulatory framework in place and the country’s largest bank already building lending, custody, and trading infrastructure, the September 1 rollout could mark a turning point for institutional crypto adoption in Russia.

Get started on WEEX with a simple 40 USDT reward. Deposit 100 USDT, make your trade, and claim the bonus. 

Disclaimer: All content on The Moon Show is for informational and educational purposes only. The opinions expressed do not constitute financial advice or recommendations to buy, sell, or trade cryptocurrencies. Trading involves significant risk and may result in substantial losses. Always seek independent financial advice before making investment decisions. The Moon Show is not responsible for any financial losses or decisions made based on the information provided.

Please view the full disclaimer at: https://themoonshow.com/disclaimer