Sberbank, Russia’s largest bank, is gearing up to offer loans secured by cryptocurrency following a successful pilot deal with a mining firm. The bank is prepared to collaborate with the central bank to establish the regulatory framework needed for this initiative, according to CoinDesk.

The pilot involved the issuance of the country’s first bitcoin-backed loan to IntelionData, one of Russia's major bitcoin miners. This move reflects Sberbank’s ambition to expand its offerings, as it aims to target not just mining companies but also businesses holding cryptocurrency on their balance sheets.

In 2025, Sberbank’s regulated digital financial asset (DFA) business saw significant growth, with issuances reaching RUB 408 billion. That figure was more than five times higher than in 2024, indicating a rapidly evolving landscape for digital assets in Russia. The bank's deputy chairman, Anatoly Popov, mentioned that Sberbank is exploring decentralized finance (DeFi) instruments and supports the gradual legalization of cryptocurrencies within Russian law.

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Another bank, Sovcombank, recently became the first in Russia to roll out crypto-backed lending for individuals and businesses. Following new rules from the central bank, the cryptocurrency market reopened to the public in December 2025, with expectations to finalize legislation by mid-2026. This regulatory clarity is crucial for Sberbank as it seeks to broaden its financial product offerings.

Sberbank’s planned lending program signifies a major shift in how traditional banks view digital assets. The bank’s corporate loan portfolio stood at RUB 30.4 trillion, showing the potential for tokenized assets to complement traditional banking operations. As digital finance continues to gain traction, Sberbank’s initiative could pave the way for wider acceptance of crypto-backed financial products in Russia.

As Sberbank prepares to launch its crypto-backed loans, it highlights the increasing integration of cryptocurrency within mainstream finance. This trend could reshape how businesses finance their operations and manage assets, making it a pivotal moment for the Russian banking sector. The implications for global markets, especially in crypto financing, are profound as more institutions consider similar moves.