"Sber" plans to develop lending against cryptocurrency collateral. In the future, the bank aims to accept not only Bitcoin (BTC) but also Ethereum and the stablecoin Tether as collateral, said Anatoly Popov, Deputy Chairman of the Executive Board of "Sber".

A client will be able to use cryptocurrency as collateral to obtain a loan – similar to other assets the bank accepts as security. "Sber" claims to have already gained practical experience with such instruments and prepared in advance for changes in legislation.

The launch will depend on new rules from the Bank of Russia. After the regulation comes into full force, "Sber" expects to adapt existing products and gradually expand the list of cryptocurrencies that can be used as collateral.