Russia’s largest bank, Sberbank, is considering a new move into crypto finance. The bank says it is exploring the idea of issuing ruble loans backed by cryptocurrency. The comments were shared by Deputy Chairman Anatoly Popov in an interview with local media.
According to Popov, Sberbank is still in the early stages. Crypto regulation in Russia is not fully formed yet, but the bank says it is ready to work closely with regulators to build the right legal and technical framework. If progress continues, Sberbank hopes to announce its first crypto-backed loan deals in the near future.
If launched, the product would allow borrowers to use digital assets as collateral while receiving loans in rubles. This would mark a major shift for Russia’s traditional banking sector, which has been cautious around crypto for years.
Russia’s largest bank, Sberbank, is considering launching crypto-backed loans that would provide ruble lending secured by digital assets. Deputy Chairman Anatoly Popov said the bank is ready to work with regulators to build the necessary infrastructure and hopes to formally…
— Wu Blockchain (@WuBlockchain) December 26, 2025
Popov also confirmed that Sberbank is expanding its digital asset business. Since the start of the year, the bank has issued more than 160 digital financial assets, including products linked to real estate and oil. This shows that Sberbank is already testing blockchain-based finance at scale.
How This Fits Russia’s Bigger Crypto Strategy
Sberbank’s crypto loan plans come at a time when Russia is openly discussing crypto use at the state level. As reported earlier, President Vladimir Putin confirmed discussions around Bitcoin mining at the Zaporizhzhia nuclear power plant, using surplus electricity for mining operations.
Together, these developments show a clear pattern. Russia is exploring crypto not just as an asset, but as part of its financial and energy strategy. Mining discussions focus on how crypto can use excess power, while bank lending explores how digital assets can support real-world finance.
According to Kommersant, President Vladimir Putin said Russia is discussing the management of the Zaporizhzhia nuclear power plant with the United States. The report said the U.S. has expressed interest in using the plant’s electricity for Bitcoin mining. Zaporizhzhia is Europe’s…
— Wu Blockchain (@WuBlockchain) December 26, 2025
For Sberbank, crypto-backed loans could open new funding options for businesses and investors, especially as access to traditional global finance remains limited.
What Comes Next?
Nothing is official yet. Regulations still need to be clarified, and infrastructure must be built. However, the message is clear. Russia’s biggest bank is no longer watching crypto from the sidelines. Crypto is slowly moving from the edge of Russia’s economy into its core financial system.
