Sberbank

Sberbank announced plans to launch crypto-backed loans for corporate clients and is finalizing the infrastructure needed for a large-scale rollout. The move marks a notable step toward institutional adoption of digital assets in Russia.

Sberbank, the first Russian bank to issue a loan backed by cryptocurrency, is moving to broaden lending products that accept digital assets as collateral. The expansion aims to integrate crypto into consumer and corporate credit offerings under a regulated bank framework.

Sberbank has issued a pilot loan to a Russian miner secured by cryptocurrency collateral, marking a first for the bank and the country. The move is being framed as an early step toward closer integration of digital assets with traditional finance.

Sberbank may start offering loans secured by cryptocurrency after Russia’s central bank issued a regulatory roadmap for digital asset transactions. The plan, disclosed by a senior bank executive, could broaden institutional crypto services while raising questions about risk controls and compliance.

Sberbank has launched a pilot program using Ethereum-based DeFi and tokenization to respond to growing client demand for crypto exposure. The move tests on-chain tokenization, smart-contract settlement and regulated custody models.