TLDR

  • Sberbank intends to provide loans secured by cryptocurrency following a successful pilot program involving a bitcoin-backed loan to IntelionData.
  • In January, Sberbank facilitated Russia’s inaugural bitcoin-backed loan for the mining company IntelionData.
  • Russia’s central bank is in the process of developing comprehensive cryptocurrency regulations, with completion anticipated by July 2026.
  • Sberbank plans to broaden its crypto-backed lending services to encompass businesses that hold digital assets, not exclusively miners.

Sberbank, Russia’s largest financial institution, is preparing to offer loans that are collateralized by cryptocurrency. This strategic decision comes after a successful pilot initiative in January 2026, during which the bank issued the nation’s first loan backed by bitcoin.

The loan was extended to IntelionData, a notable mining firm, representing a significant development in Russia’s increasing engagement with crypto-backed financial instruments. As legislation governing crypto assets is currently under development, Sberbank aims to collaborate closely with Russia’s central bank to ensure the establishment of an appropriate regulatory framework.

This initiative by Sberbank is consistent with Russia’s phased reintegration of the cryptocurrency market under new regulatory guidelines. As part of these efforts, the government intends to finalize its legal framework for crypto assets by July 2026, which is expected to influence the future trajectory of digital financial products within the country. Sberbank’s intention to expand its crypto-backed loan offerings beyond mining companies to include businesses that possess digital assets underscores the growing potential of the digital asset market in Russia.

Expansion of Crypto-Backed Lending Services

Sberbank’s program for crypto-backed lending is slated for an expansion of its scope. While the initial pilot focused on a major mining enterprise, the bank now plans to extend this service to businesses that hold digital assets such as bitcoin and ether.

This development is anticipated to play a crucial role in the nation’s rapidly evolving digital financial sector, where the utilization of digital financial assets (DFAs) has seen considerable growth. In 2025, Sberbank recorded a substantial increase in DFA issuances, reaching a total of 408 billion rubles, which represents a 5.6-fold increase compared to the preceding year.

The new service will be available to businesses that maintain cryptocurrency holdings as part of their balance sheets. This trend reflects a broader movement within Russia, where leading banks are increasingly incorporating digital assets to facilitate financial transactions. In addition to loans, Sberbank already provides structured bonds and other digital financial products linked to bitcoin and ether. The bank has also expressed interest in decentralized finance (DeFi) instruments, suggesting potential for future expansion of its product offerings.

Russia’s Crypto Market Shaped by New Regulations

The heightened interest in crypto-backed financial products in Russia coincides with the country’s ongoing efforts to update its cryptocurrency legislation. In December 2025, Russia’s central bank reopened the cryptocurrency market to the public under new regulations.

These regulations are designed to establish a more structured environment for crypto assets, which previously faced uncertainty due to a lack of clear legal guidelines. Sberbank’s move to offer crypto-backed loans aligns with these regulatory shifts and signifies the growing acceptance of digital assets within Russia’s financial ecosystem.

However, the full legalization of cryptocurrencies in Russia is expected to require additional time. The central bank is currently developing a comprehensive regulatory framework, with legislation anticipated to be finalized by July 1, 2026. This framework is expected to provide more definitive guidelines for banks and businesses looking to integrate cryptocurrencies into their operations.

Sberbank’s Growth in Digital Financial Assets

Sberbank’s entry into crypto-backed lending is part of a larger trend of expansion in digital financial assets. In 2025, the bank’s DFA business experienced rapid growth, with total issuances showing a significant increase from the previous year. This expansion highlights the growing significance of digital assets in Russia, despite the continued dominance of traditional banking.

As of December 2025, Sberbank’s corporate loan portfolio exceeded 30 trillion rubles, demonstrating the bank’s capacity to balance its traditional offerings with innovative digital financial products.

The sevenfold increase in digital asset holdings at Sberbank over a six-month period underscores the bank’s commitment to establishing itself as a key participant in the evolving digital economy. By offering crypto-backed loans and other products related to digital assets, Sberbank aims to position itself as a leader in Russia’s emerging crypto market.