A Major Step for Bitcoin and Cryptocurrencies in Russia: The Country’s Largest Bank Sets a Date

Sberbank, Russia's largest bank, has received approval from the Central Bank of Russia to offer cryptocurrency trading services. The bank is reportedly beginning to test Bitcoin, Ethereum, and USDT transactions within its mobile application. Sberbank reportedly plans to open cryptocurrency transactions to all its customers starting December 1st. This will allow users to access supported digital assets through the bank's app without having to send funds to a separate cryptocurrency exchange. In early October, Sberbank was also added to the list of digital custodians responsible for maintaining records of cryptocurrency assets and digital rights.