VTB and Crypto Instruments: How the Bank Plans to Be Among the First in Russia to Get a License

Introduction VTB estimates the Russian market for crypto instruments at several tens of billions of rubles — and the bank intends to capture a significant

• VTB plans to be among the first Russian banks to obtain licenses for crypto-instrument operations following new legislation effective September 1, 2026.
• The bank aims to capture a significant share of Russia's multi-billion ruble crypto market by integrating crypto instruments into its existing digital ecosystem, including the digital ruble and DFAs, and offering institutional custody through a digital depository.
• Key challenges include navigating secondary sanctions, ensuring market liquidity within a regulated perimeter, and gaining recognition for cross-border settlements from partner countries.

Topics: Jurisdictions, Legal regulatory, Institutional adoption, Emerging hubs, Regulatory sandboxes pilots, Securities law classification, Banking depository pilots

Tags: #vtb #russia #cryptocurrency #digitalassets #licensing #crossbordersettlements #experimentallegalregime #digitaldepository #qualifiedinvestors #sanctions

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Sberbank Plans Crypto Trading Infrastructure By Dec. 1, 2026

Crypto trading gains ground as Sberbank targets December 2026 for new infrastructure and a digital depository under Russia’s regulated framework.

• Sberbank, Russia's largest bank, plans to launch crypto trading infrastructure and a digital depository by December 1, 2026, operating within Russia's new regulated framework.
• The initiative aims to facilitate regulated crypto trading, custody, and settlement, with provisions for both qualified and non-qualified investors, though domestic payments using crypto remain prohibited.
• This move aligns with Russia's broader efforts to establish a regulated digital asset market, with Sberbank having prior experience in issuing digital financial assets and providing crypto-backed loans.

Topics: Jurisdictions, Legal regulatory, Institutional adoption, Emerging hubs, Regulatory sandboxes pilots, Licensing issuer obligations, Asset manager initiatives

Tags: #sberbank #russia #cryptotrading #digitaldepository #regulatoryframework #digitalassets #blockchain #intermediaries #qualifiedinvestors #nonqualifiedinvestors

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