Sberbank Gears Up Crypto Loans Ahead of New Rules
Sberbank is accelerating its plans to offer loans secured by cryptocurrency and is collaborating closely with the central bank to establish new regulations that will streamline the borrowing process.
Pilot Program and Expansion
The bank initiated a pilot program in January, providing its first bitcoin-backed loan to IntelionData. This pilot is expected to pave the way for more such transactions in the future.
Growth in Digital Assets
In 2025, the volume of digital assets issued reached RUB 408 billion (about $5.3 billion), marking a 5.6 times increase from 2024 and a 204 times increase from 2023.
Rapid Expansion of DFA Business
Sberbank's regulated Digital Financial Assets (DFA) business is expanding rapidly, with holdings increasing to RUB 185 billion over the past six months—more than a sevenfold increase in that period.
Strong Financial Position
December figures highlight Sberbank's robust balance sheet:
- Corporate loans: RUB 30.4 trillion ($365 billion)
- Retail loans: RUB 18.8 trillion ($226 billion)
- Client deposits: RUB 33.1 trillion ($398 billion)
Tokenized Assets and Future Plans
Tokenized assets represent a small but rapidly growing segment of Russia's largest lender. Anatoly Popov, Deputy Chairman, stated that the bank already offers structured bonds, digital financial assets in bitcoin and ether, and is testing DeFi instruments that could facilitate crypto growth within Russian law.
Targeting Mining Firms and Other Businesses
Popov added that Sberbank plans to target not only mining firms but also other businesses that hold crypto on their books.
Sovcombank's Initiative
Sovcombank was the first Russian bank to introduce crypto-backed lending on February 5, catering to both individuals and companies.
Regulatory Developments
In December 2025, the central bank introduced new rules for crypto, with the expected completion of the law by July 1, 2026.
Strategic Plan
The plan aims to combine mining firms, DeFi testing, and legal certainty to bring more crypto-secured loans to Russia's largest lender.
