Alfa-Bank Moves Toward Crypto Trading With Digital Depository Plan 

TLDR

• Alfa-Bank plans a digital depository before wider crypto trading access.

• Crypto trading tests have started for selected qualified Russian clients.

• Bitcoin, Ether, Solana, USDT, USDC and Zcash were included in tests.

• Wider retail crypto access may arrive after Russia finalizes new rules.

• Sberbank and T-Bank are also preparing regulated crypto services.

Alfa-Bank has moved closer to regulated crypto trading in Russia with plans for a digital depository. The bank also started limited crypto trading tests through its Alfa-Investments brokerage app. The plan comes as Russia prepares broader rules for digital asset services.

Alfa-Bank Builds Crypto Services Around Digital Depository Plan

Alfa-Bank plans to create a digital depository before launching wider cryptocurrency services. The structure would store, manage, and track crypto assets under Russia’s proposed rules. It would also support services for the bank’s clients and other companies.

Dmitry Vitman, the bank’s chief operating officer, said the lender wants to build a regulated crypto business. Alfa-Bank expects full services only after Russia’s crypto circulation law takes effect. The bank wants products that can compete in international markets.

The proposed digital depository would play a central role in Russia’s new crypto framework. Under the draft rules, such entities must monitor client transactions and block unauthorized transfers. Banks need custody systems before launching wider crypto access.

Alfa-Bank Tests Crypto Trading For Qualified Clients

Alfa-Bank has started testing crypto trading through its Alfa-Investments brokerage app. The trial targets a limited group of qualified clients under Russian market rules. The test reportedly includes Bitcoin, Ether, Solana, Litecoin, USDT, USDC, and Zcash.

The bank could expand access after lawmakers approve the final legal framework. A broader retail launch may arrive in late 2026 or early 2027. However, Alfa-Bank does not expect deep market liquidity before late 2027.

The bank already operates A-Token, its digital financial asset platform. That platform has handled several tokenized asset issuances since its 2023 launch. Now, Alfa-Bank aims to add open-blockchain instruments and regulated crypto trading.

Russian Banks Prepare For Regulated Crypto Market

Alfa-Bank joins other major Russian lenders moving toward regulated crypto services. Sberbank has also announced plans for a digital depository and crypto wallet. T-Bank has said it wants to offer crypto buying and selling services.

Sberbank plans to add its crypto wallet to Sberbank Online and SberInvestments. The service would start after Russia’s crypto law takes effect. Meanwhile, T-Bank wants to serve clients through a similar regulated structure.

Russia’s largest banks now position themselves before the market opens under state control. The new rules would place crypto services under formal oversight and compliance checks. As a result, Alfa-Bank is building infrastructure before broader demand arrives.