# Sber to accept USDT and Ether as collateral Russia's largest bank expands its crypto-backed lending offerings. - **Source:** [Cointelegraph.com News](https://brifing.si/source/2e81e982-0137-4db0-8ac2-351f37085775) - **Published:** 2026-08-30 - **Topic:** [Finance](https://brifing.si/c/finance) - **Original article:** - **On Brifing:** https://brifing.si/s/8eccc0c9-3f61-4104-8734-84c81798f3db ## Sberbank's crypto move Russia's largest bank Sber will accept Tether's USDT stablecoin and Ether as collateral alongside Bitcoin. Senior executive Anatoly Popov stated they will adapt existing products and gradually expand crypto offerings. This step comes under Russia's new crypto law signed on August 4. The law's core provisions will take effect on September 1, marking a significant shift in the country's regulatory approach to digital assets. ## Awaiting Central Bank approval Sberbank plans to add new assets as collateral after receiving approval from Russia's Central Bank for public trading. On August 11, the Central Bank proposed allowing Bitcoin, Ether and USDT on regulated exchanges, noting these assets meet requirements including market capitalization, trading volume and at least five years of price history overseas. This decision forms part of Russia's efforts to establish a regulated crypto market framework. ## Skepticism toward digital ruble Sberbank maintains a cautious stance on Russia's central bank digital currency (CBDC) set for wider rollout on September 1. CFO Taras Skvortsov stated they see little evidence of broad demand for the CBDC, saying 'Apart from the central bank, I don't see clear interest in this instrument.' He added that neither retail nor corporate clients nor financial institutions are actively pushing for adoption of the digital ruble. ## Details of new crypto law The law signed by President Vladimir Putin on August 4 aims to create a regulated crypto market in Russia. It grants the Central Bank authority to determine which crypto assets can trade on regulated exchanges. Bitcoin, Ether and USDT emerged as the primary approved assets. The legislation represents a major transformation for Russia's crypto ecosystem, moving away from previous ambiguous regulatory stances toward clearer guidelines. ## Potential of crypto-backed loans Sberbank's expansion of crypto-collateralized loan products could provide new financial opportunities for Russian digital asset holders. Adding USDT and Ether will enable crypto investors to utilize their portfolios more effectively. This move also aligns with Russia's strategy to strengthen its position in the global crypto market. The bank's gradual expansion approach aims to maintain flexibility amid evolving market conditions. ## Role of stablecoins Sberbank's acceptance of USDT as collateral reinforces stablecoins' legal standing in Russia. Tether's USD-backed stablecoin is among the most widely used assets in crypto markets. USDT trading on regulated exchanges will offer Russian investors a stable collateral option. This development marks an important step in stablecoins' integration with traditional financial systems under government oversight. ## Global regulatory context Russia's crypto law progresses parallel to increasing regulatory trends worldwide. The U.S., EU and many Asian countries are developing similar frameworks. Russia's approach seeks to establish controlled parameters rather than outright bans. Sberbank's move reflects private sector adaptation to these regulations. The framework aims to provide long-term market stability while accommodating digital asset innovation within defined boundaries. ## Digital ruble vs crypto competition Sberbank's skepticism toward the digital ruble highlights the competition between CBDCs and private crypto assets. CFO Skvortsov's comments reveal challenges in achieving mass adoption for central bank digital currencies. The Bank of Russia's digital ruble project aims to create a national-scale digital currency. However, Sberbank's response raises questions about financial institutions' readiness for this innovation and potential friction between public and private digital money systems. ## Sources covering this story - https://cointelegraph.com/news/russia-sber-bank-bitcoin-ether-usdt-crypto-loans?utm_source=rss_feed&utm_medium=rss&utm_campaign=rss_partner_inbound — --- _Summary written by Brifing from the original reporting. Copyright in the original article belongs to its publisher; read the full piece at the link above._