Russia's largest bank, Sberbank, has announced plans to create its own infrastructure for working with digital currencies. Following the adoption of the specialized law "On Digital Currency and Digital Rights," which is set to come into effect on September 1, 2026, the bank will launch a crypto wallet and a digital depository. This statement was made by Kirill Tsarev, First Deputy Chairman of the bank's executive board.
According to the announced plans, the technical foundation for conducting operations will be ready by the beginning of winter. The basic project timeline is as follows:
| Project Stage | Planned Date |
| Specialized law comes into effect | September 1 |
| Infrastructure and depository readiness | December 1 |
| Test launch of the interface | During winter |
The new tool will be integrated into familiar interfaces — the Sberbank Online and SberInvestments apps. Kirill Tsarev clarified that the final timeline will be approved after the publication of the final text of the regulatory act. The release speed will depend on the rules for placing updated software in app stores. Most likely, Android users will see the new functionality before others.
Additionally, the top manager highlighted a legislative provision allowing citizens to trade on foreign platforms through domestic agents. Sberbank will thoroughly study the possibility of obtaining the status of such an intermediary. The final decision will depend on the final regulatory rules and the position of foreign partners.
The race for the crypto market is accelerating
The statements from the industry leader significantly intensify competition in the financial sector. Earlier, VTB and the T-Bank group announced the creation of similar platforms for storing digital assets. Simultaneously, the Moscow Exchange announced the start of trading in new instruments by the end of this year.
The new model of the financial sector is being jointly developed by the Ministry of Finance and the Bank of Russia. The rules provide for the creation of a pool of licensed companies that will have the right to maintain asset records, conduct trading, exchange digital currency for fiat money, and ensure cross-border settlements. Individuals will be able to conduct transactions on local platforms after mandatory testing and within strict limits.
Expert comment (Cryptalist): Sberbank's entry into the crypto market is not just another experiment, but a systemic step that will radically change the landscape of the Russian digital asset market. Given the bank's scale and client base, we will witness mass legal adoption of cryptocurrencies in Russia. However, the key issue will remain the balance between strict regulation and real freedom for users. If the rules are too strict, it could push the market into a gray zone rather than the legal field.