The Bank of Russia has released its first official list of registered crypto operators to the public. The announcement names four exchange operators and five custodial institutions following the entry into force of new digital asset regulations on September 1, 2026.
Sberbank, Russia’s largest bank, secured a place on the digital custodian registry alongside Atomyze, Voltari, and Cloud Infrastructure. For official exchange operators, the Bank of Russia appointed T-Invest Lab, Zefir, and Sistema-Crypto. VTB Bank recorded a unique status by securing spots on both licensing lists, granting it authorization to operate as both an exchange operator and a custodian.
Sberbank responded to the new licensing by establishing its launch schedule. The bank will roll out its debut crypto products on December 1, 2026. The initial offering includes full support for Bitcoin (BTC), Ether (ETH), and USDT transactions.
Integration into Core Banking Platforms
Sberbank’s crypto services will not operate separately. The bank’s leadership is integrating digital asset trading features directly into its three core platforms: SberBank Online, SberInvestments, and SberBusiness. This direct access connects retail and corporate clients to crypto instruments without leaving the conventional banking system.
A report from WatcherGuru confirmed that Russia’s largest banking institution officially received regulatory approval as a crypto custodian, noting that Sberbank is prepared to launch product lines for Bitcoin, Ethereum, and USDT.
The wave of operator registrations stems from crypto legislation signed into law by President Putin in August 2026. The new law places all digital asset market activities under the comprehensive oversight of the Bank of Russia. The same regulation also lays down a standardized framework for exchanges, custodians, brokers, and investors operating across Russia.
Legal for Investment, Banned for Payments
Broader investment access has not altered the role of fiat currency. Russia’s new legislation maintains an absolute ban on using cryptocurrency as a payment method for goods and services. Digital assets remain lawful for only two purposes: investment vehicles and value custody.
This strict boundary defines the trajectory of crypto adoption in Russia. While industry players have gained legal room to operate and major banks are introducing digital assets, retail money circulation and commercial transactions remain strictly within the ruble’s domain.
Reported by Cointelegraph.
Disclaimer: This article is for informational and educational purposes only, not financial advice. Cryptocurrency assets are highly volatile and carry significant risk. Always do your own research (DYOR) and never invest more than you can afford to lose.
