Russia registers the first batch of cryptocurrency exchanges and custodians, Sberbank plans to launch products on December 1

Russia has registered the first batch of cryptocurrency exchange operators and digital asset custodians based on new regulations that took effect on September 1. The Bank of Russia announced the list of the first authorized operators, which includes 4 exchange operators and 5 custodians.

Russia's largest bank, Sberbank, has been included in the list of custodians, alongside Atomyze, Voltari, and Cloud Infrastructure. Sberbank stated that it has applied for the qualification of a digital asset custodian and plans to launch its first cryptocurrency products on December 1 through the SberBank Online, SberInvestments, and SberBusiness platforms, initially supporting Bitcoin (BTC), Ether (ETH), and USDt (USDT).

T-Invest Lab, Zefir, and Sistema-Crypto have been listed as exchange operators, with VTB Bank appearing on both lists. The relevant registration is based on the cryptocurrency bill signed by President Vladimir Putin in August, which brings exchanges, custodians, brokers, and investors under the supervision of the Bank of Russia and maintains the prohibition on using cryptocurrencies to pay for goods and services.