VTB, Russia's Second-Largest Bank, to Launch Bitcoin Trading for Clients in 2026

Source: CoinEdition Original Title: VTB, Russia’s Second-Largest Bank, to Launch Bitcoin Trading for Clients in 2026 Original Link: On December 4, VTB (Russia’s second-largest bank) announced its plans to allow clients to buy and sell cryptocurrencies directly through its brokerage accounts beginning in 2026.

Previously, VTB and some other Russian banks were only permitted to offer crypto-linked products to qualified investors (such as derivatives to certain wealthy or professional investors) but not direct ownership of crypto.

According to Andrey Yatskov, VTB’s brokerage services head, the bank’s plan depends on obtaining regulatory approval and aligning with Russia’s evolving crypto framework. Once approved, everyday VTB clients will be able to use standard brokerage accounts to hold and trade crypto.

Yatskov stated that many customers want to buy actual cryptocurrency, not just financial products that are linked to its price. He also said: “As we see it, real cryptocurrency will be available for purchase via our brokerage accounts.”

VTB has a market value of about $244 billion and total assets worth $413 billion, with more than 1,300 branch locations in the country.

The push to integrate banks into the crypto ecosystem coincides with the growing popularity of crypto among the Russian population. The central bank estimated that by early 2025, over 20 million people in Russia were involved with cryptocurrency.

A Regulatory Shift

The country still has no official rules for trading cryptocurrency, though in mid-2025, Russia’s central bank indicated a change in stance. Russia’s main banks, including VTB and Sberbank, along with the Moscow Exchange, have received special permission to sell crypto-linked financial products like derivatives and securities, although direct ownership remains restricted.

Separate from banking, Russia continues to integrate crypto into its international trade environment. The country made crypto mining legal in 2024 and started allowing its use for international payments under a special trial program. This is partly an effort to work around international sanctions and problems with the global banking system.

Together, these moves show Russia may be slowly but surely building a controlled system where crypto and traditional finance work together. If VTB’s 2026 plan works, it could be a notable shift, moving from just crypto-linked investments to letting regular bank customers buy the actual cryptocurrency.