Russia’s Largest Bank Sber Plans Bitcoin, Ethereum and USDT-Backed Loans

Russia’s largest bank, Sber, plans to expand crypto-backed lending by accepting Bitcoin (BTC), Ethereum (ETH) and Tether (USDT) as collateral once Russia’s new digital-asset regulations take full effect.

The move builds on Sber’s first crypto-backed loan pilot with mining company Intelion in December 2025 and would allow businesses holding crypto to access financing without immediately selling their digital assets.

The expansion comes as the Bank of Russia prepares to allow BTC, ETH and USDT for regulated public trading under the country’s new crypto framework. Russia’s broader crypto law takes effect September 1, introducing rules for exchanges, brokers and custodians while keeping domestic crypto payments prohibited. Sber’s plans signal a significant step toward integrating major cryptocurrencies into Russia’s traditional banking and credit system, particularly for companies already holding digital assets on their balance sheets.

Clever Robot News Desk 31^th July 2026