Russian megabank tests DeFi to meet surging customer demand for crypto

Core Insights - Sberbank, Russia's largest bank, is actively testing various DeFi products in response to increasing client interest in cryptocurrency trading and holding [1][2] - The bank plans to develop digital asset offerings in collaboration with regulators, anticipating a convergence between traditional banking and DeFi [1] - The central bank of Russia is expected to regulate the crypto sector by 2026, which is influencing banks' adoption strategies [2][4] Company Overview - Sberbank has a market capitalization of approximately $83 billion, serving around 109 million retail clients and over 3 million corporate customers [2] - The bank's deputy chair, Anatoly Popov, indicated that Sberbank clients are significantly interested in convenient solutions for accessing cryptocurrencies [4] Industry Trends - Other Russian banks, such as VTB, are also showing increased interest in crypto, with clients expressing a desire to buy actual cryptocurrencies rather than derivatives [3] - Several major Russian firms have launched a variety of crypto-themed financial products, including funds and indices that track major cryptocurrencies like Bitcoin and Ethereum [3] Regulatory Environment - The Bank of Russia has historically been cautious about endorsing cryptocurrencies, favoring blockchain technology while opposing private cryptocurrencies like Bitcoin [5] - However, the central bank's stance has softened in light of the growing Bitcoin mining industry and the use of crypto for cross-border settlements [6]