Sberbank Online Begins Testing Cryptocurrency Buy and Sell Service

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Sberbank is testing a crypto service in its Sberbank Online app, offering Bitcoin, Ethereum, USDT trading. Full launch planned for December 2026, pending regulatory approval.

Sberbank, one of Russia's largest financial institutions, has announced the start of testing a new cryptocurrency service within its Sberbank Online app. The bank demonstrated the functionality of this service at the SberInvestments forum titled “Present — Future.”

During the testing phase, selected clients can buy and sell popular cryptocurrencies such as Bitcoin, Ethereum, and USDT. The service also supports the deposit and withdrawal of these crypto assets. This trial is part of a broader initiative to integrate cryptocurrency operations directly into Sberbank's digital banking ecosystem.

Sberbank plans to open the crypto trading service to all its customers starting December 1, 2026, contingent upon the enactment of necessary regulatory frameworks. The final list of cryptocurrencies permitted for trading will be established by the Bank of Russia through subordinate legislation.

In addition to Sberbank Online, cryptocurrency transaction capabilities are expected to be integrated into other Sber services, including SberInvestments and SberBusiness, enabling a wider range of users to access digital asset trading.

The timing of the full rollout is closely linked to regulatory readiness. Notably, on October 6, 2026, Sberbank became the first Russian institution to be registered as a digital depository by the Central Bank of Russia, marking a significant step toward compliance and infrastructure build-out.

This current trial of cryptocurrency operations represents the next phase in preparing a secure and compliant environment for customers to engage with cryptocurrencies directly through Sberbank’s platforms.