Russia is edging cryptocurrency into its regulated financial system, and Sberbank is preparing to build the rails. The country’s largest bank plans to launch cryptocurrency trading infrastructure and a digital depository by 1 December.

The move coincides with new rules that bring trading, custody and settlement under formal oversight, marking another step in Moscow’s gradual incorporation of digital assets.

The framework, approved by the Federation Council, takes effect on 1 September. Transactions will eventually need to pass through licensed brokers, exchanges, asset managers and depositories from July 2027.

Public exchange trading will be restricted to cryptocurrencies meeting strict Bank of Russia liquidity thresholds: average…