Russia’s second-largest bank, VTB Bank, is preparing to offer direct cryptocurrency trading services in 2026, marking one of the most significant steps toward mainstream digital-asset adoption within the country’s financial system.
The rollout depends on final approval from Russian regulators, who have signaled that the authorization is likely to arrive within the coming months.
A Major Shift Toward Direct Crypto Access
VTB already allows clients to gain exposure to digital assets through crypto-linked derivatives. The bank is now preparing to move beyond synthetic products and enable customers to directly buy, hold, and sell cryptocurrencies, including Bitcoin, once regulatory clearance is granted. Trading will be accessible through both individual investment accounts and standard brokerage accounts, integrating crypto into channels already familiar to retail and professional investors.
The expansion places VTB among the first major Russian banks to formalize cryptocurrency access through fully regulated investment platforms.
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Regulators Signal Approval Is Imminent
Russian financial regulators have indicated that approval for direct crypto trading is expected within months. The move reflects a gradual, controlled shift in Russia’s stance toward digital assets, one that has evolved from restrictive hesitation toward a framework of regulated participation. This trend includes recent government support for exploring blockchain infrastructure, controlled mining operations, and cross-border digital asset settlements.
A Strategic Positioning for Russia’s Financial Future
For VTB, the shift represents not only a response to client demand but also strategic preparation for a financial landscape where digital assets are becoming increasingly woven into global markets. Offering crypto through traditional investment accounts brings cryptocurrencies closer to Russia’s mainstream financial system and signals a broader acceptance among institutional players.
As regulatory approval approaches, VTB is positioning itself to become one of the key gateways to cryptocurrency investing in Russia, potentially setting a precedent for other major banks in the region.