Sberbank, Russia’s largest bank, has introduced bonds whose returns are tied to bitcoin’s price performance and the US dollar-ruble exchange rate, according to Coincu. This allows Russian investors to access cryptocurrency exposure without directly owning assets or using foreign exchanges.
The bank enables all bond transactions to be conducted in rubles, aligning with Russia’s domestic legal and financial infrastructure and simplifying access for investors.
Coincu notes this marks a significant step in institutional cryptocurrency adoption within Russia’s financial sector. The bonds provide regulated bitcoin exposure while avoiding complexities tied to direct crypto-asset ownership.
Market reactions have been positive, Coincu reports. Analysts credit Sberbank’s collaboration with the Bank of Russia for strengthening the country’s financial system.