Russia’s largest lender Sberbank plans crypto-backed loans using Bitcoin, Ethereum and Tether
The bank is moving toward crypto-backed lending following a December pilot that used self-mined cryptocurrency as collateral.
Sberbank, Russia’s largest bank, plans to accept Ethereum and Tether alongside Bitcoin as loan collateral once Russian regulators permit their public circulation, according to TASS.
The bank is preparing to offer crypto-backed loans to corporate clients after successfully testing the model with mining firm AO Intelion Data last year. It is also working on crypto custody services as digital assets take on a larger role in Russia’s financial system and cross-border trade.
Anatoly Popov, deputy chairman of Sberbank’s management board, said the bank is prepared to adapt its existing products once the legislation comes fully into force.
Popov said Sberbank had anticipated the regulatory changes and already gained practical experience working with crypto. The bank plans to gradually expand its digital-asset products under the new rules, including lending secured by crypto holdings.
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Bitcoin will be part of the bank’s collateral offering, while Ethereum and Tether could be added in the future. Popov said those assets would become eligible after the Bank of Russia authorizes them for public circulation and the remaining provisions of the new regulation take effect.