Sberbank, the biggest lender in Russia, intends to increase the number of corporate clients it offers crypto-backed loans to, citing high demand from companies that own digital assets. The bank stated that it is prepared to collaborate with regulators to develop precise guidelines for these kinds of products.
Sberbank used mined cryptocurrency as collateral for a test crypto-backed loan to mining company Intelion Data in late 2025. The action indicated the increasing acceptance of digital assets in corporate financing, even though the loan amount was not made public.
The usage of cryptocurrencies in Russia’s economy is growing, particularly when access to traditional currency is restricted by Western sanctions. At the moment, the central bank views cryptocurrency as a foreign exchange asset, permitting trade but prohibiting domestic payments.
Sberbank said the new loans would target not only miners but also companies holding crypto on their balance sheets. The plan mirrors similar steps by global banks, with JPMorgan exploring crypto-backed lending and Wells Fargo already offering such products.
Russia’s central bank aims to finalize a broader crypto regulatory framework by July 2026.
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