Sberbank projects $46 billion in crypto trade as Russia eases stance

Russia's largest lender is betting big on digital assets as domestic policy shifts. Deputy Chairman Anatoly Popov expects trading volumes to hit 4 trillion rubles within the first year of operation. It's a massive figure that reflects growing demand for alternatives to traditional cross-border rails. The bank isn't just stopping at trading; it's already prepping a suite of lending products backed by Ethereum and USDT. These plans hinge on a final nod from regulators, but the bank is clearly positioning itself as the primary gateway for Russian firms looking to hedge against sanctions. Sberbank's infrastructure will likely serve as the backbone for these state-sanctioned experiments in liquidity. The move signals a departure from the central bank's previous calls for a total ban on crypto activities. If the 4 trillion ruble target holds, Sberbank will instantly become a global heavyweight in the institutional crypto space. The question is whether the Kremlin will keep the regulatory gates open long enough for the bank to hit those lofty numbers.