VTB launches its own digital financial asset platform: a new stage of institutional digitalization
On June 25, 2026, the Bank of Russia officially included VTB (PJSC) in the register of operators of information systems intended for issuing digital financial assets (DFAs). This decision marks a strategic shift for the country's second-largest bank, which is transitioning from using a third-party operator model to building its own infrastructure.
From Partnership to Independence
Previously, VTB placed its DFA issues through its subsidiary VTB Capital Trading, which was included in the register back in December 2024. Now, the bank gains the ability to operate its own platform, significantly expanding its operational capabilities and control over issuance. The Central Bank of Russia not only added VTB to the register but also approved the operating rules for its information system — a key step for launching full functionality.
The DFA Market in Russia: Scaling Up
With the inclusion of VTB, the number of operators in the regulator's register will reach 24. As of June 24, the list included 23 participants, including VTB Capital Trading. Thus, VTB becomes not just an issuer but a full-fledged hub for issuing digital assets, utilizing its own technological capabilities. This is a logical step for a systemically important bank seeking to diversify liquidity-raising tools and corporate client services.
Analytical commentary: The entry of such an institutional giant as VTB into the direct orbit of DFAs is a powerful signal for the entire market. This is not just an expansion of the register but a confirmation of the maturity of the Russian digital assets segment. We are seeing major players move from pilot projects to building their own infrastructure, which will inevitably lead to increased liquidity and standardization of services. For investors, this means the emergence of more reliable and regulated instruments, which should reduce the risk premium in this segment.