Sberbank to Accept BTC, ETH, USDT for Crypto-Backed Loans

Sberbank, the state‑controlled banking giant, announced plans to broaden its crypto‑backed loan offerings by accepting bitcoin (BTC), ether (ETH) and tether (USDT) as collateral.

Regulatory backdrop

The expansion is tied to the upcoming implementation of Russia’s new cryptocurrency regulations, which will officially come into force on September 1, 2026. The rules, approved by the State Duma and signed by President Vladimir Putin, define the legal framework for exchanges, brokers, custodians and other intermediaries while maintaining a ban on domestic crypto payments.

Pilot experience

In December 2025, Sberbank issued its first crypto‑backed loan to Intelion, a Russian industrial mining firm, using its internal systems and the Rutoken hardware platform to secure the digital assets. The pilot provided operational experience but did not disclose the loan size or the amount of cryptocurrency pledged.

Planned product rollout

Deputy chairman Anatoly Popov said the bank will adapt existing loan products to meet the new requirements before gradually expanding its digital‑asset portfolio. Crypto‑backed lending will initially target businesses that hold digital assets, such as mining companies, with the possibility of adding more collateral types as each regulatory provision becomes effective.

Bank of Russia’s crypto list

The central bank has listed BTC, ETH and USDT among the three cryptocurrencies eligible for public exchange trading under the new rules. Non‑qualified investors will be limited to purchases of up to 300,000 rubles per year per intermediary after passing a knowledge test, while qualified investors may trade without limits.