"The Market in Russia is Only Just Emerging": Anton Popov on Sber's Crypto Strategy
Sberbank is increasing its activity in the digital finance sector, offering clients investment products linked to crypto assets and developing its own blockchain platform. In an interview, Deputy Chairman Anatoly Popov discussed the bank's strategy, which is focused on expanding its range of digital financial assets (DFAs), participating in the development of regulations for decentralized finance (DeFi), and integrating with public blockchains.
Sber is in constant dialogue with Russian regulators to build a secure infrastructure. It currently offers qualified investors products like structured bonds and DFAs that provide exposure to cryptocurrencies like Bitcoin and Ethereum within the Russian legal framework, with a total issuance volume of 1.5 billion rubles. The bank sees these regulated, ruble-based products as a safer alternative to direct purchases on unregulated crypto exchanges.
While Sber plans to be an active player and liquidity provider on future regulated crypto platforms, it will act conservatively, prioritizing client interests and financial system stability. It does not view crypto as a vehicle for its own speculative investments.
Looking forward, Sber believes a key trend is the convergence of traditional finance and DeFi. Its in-house blockchain lab has evolved into a full product unit, and its proprietary platform for issuing DFAs is already operational. The bank is exploring tokenization of real-world assets like movable property and shares in LLCs, pending new legislation.
For the future, Sber anticipates the institutionalization of blockchain technology. Bitcoin will likely remain a core asset, while networks like Ethereum will form the technological base for tokenization and smart contracts. A crucial step is the legalization of a broad range of blockchain-based digital assets, starting with pilot projects to demonstrate utility and manage risks. The bank is interested in stablecoins and their potential future use in the Russian legal field, emphasizing the need for collaborative work with the central bank.
RBK-crypto12/11 11:16