Alfa-Bank plans to create its own digital depository for cryptocurrency after regulation is introduced. The bank wants to store and account for digital assets, as well as offer such services to other companies.

Alfa-Bank expects the market to launch gradually. The first retail services based on a combination of Russian and foreign infrastructure may appear in late 2026 – early 2027, if the law comes into force in September. However, the bank does not expect significant liquidity and large volumes until late 2027.

Separately, Alfa-Bank wants to create Russian investment instruments in open blockchains. The idea is to attract investors to Russian infrastructure, rather than simply providing access to foreign platforms.

A queue of major players has already formed for the new market. T-Bank, VTB, and Sber previously spoke about their own digital depositories. The bill on digital currency has passed its first reading, and the first legal cryptocurrency operations in Russia could begin closer to November 2026.