Sberbank has started testing cryptocurrency operations and is preparing a service for buying, selling, depositing, and withdrawing cryptocurrencies. The final list will be determined by the Bank of Russia, and the launch for all clients is planned for December 1, the credit institution announced.

During the testing phase, operations with Bitcoin (BTC), Ethereum (ETH), and a stablecoin (USDT) are available. The final list of cryptocurrencies allowed for trading will be determined by the Bank of Russia's subordinate acts. The bank showcased the service for retail clients at the "Real Future" investment forum. The exact launch dates depend on the entry into force of the regulator's normative acts.

Sberbank is the country's largest bank, and its entry into the crypto service will legalize digital assets for the mass client. However, the final list of coins and launch dates are determined by the Bank of Russia: without its normative acts, the service will not operate. If the regulator restricts the list, Sberbank's crypto service may be narrower than clients expect. For clients, this means access to digital assets through the country's largest bank, without the need to use questionable exchanges.