Russian banking giant plans to allow customers to trade cryptocurrencies like Bitcoin directly

The head of brokerage services at Russian banking giant VTB, Andrey Yatskov, stated that the plan is to allow clients to trade "real" cryptocurrencies directly through their brokerage accounts, rather than being limited to cryptocurrency derivatives.

VTB is ready to test the cryptocurrency trading platform with "super qualified clients," meaning those with a portfolio value of over $1.3 million or an annual income exceeding $649,000. The Central Bank of Russia had previously opposed cryptocurrencies, but recent reports indicate that it is considering relaxing restrictions on cryptocurrency trading.