Sberbank, the largest financial institution in Russia, has unveiled a new investment product tied to Bitcoin (BTC), marking a major step toward integrating cryptocurrency exposure within the country’s regulated financial system.
The product, a structured bond, tracks the value of Bitcoin and is designed for qualified investors seeking crypto-linked returns without directly owning or storing digital assets. Returns on the bond are influenced by two factors: Bitcoin’s performance against the U.S. dollar and any potential appreciation of the dollar versus the Russian ruble.
Unlike traditional cryptocurrency investments, investors can gain exposure to Bitcoin without setting up a crypto wallet or using offshore exchanges. All transactions are settled in rubles and handled entirely within Russia’s domestic financial infrastructure.
Sberbank plans to expand crypto offering
Sberbank also confirmed plans to expand this offering. According to the bank, similar crypto-linked structured instruments will be made available on the Moscow Exchange in the near future. In addition, its investment division, SberInvestments, will roll out a new Bitcoin futures product on June 4, aligning with a broader launch by the Moscow Exchange.
The move comes just days after the Bank of Russia greenlit the offering of cryptocurrency-based financial instruments to professional investors, signaling a notable policy shift amid growing demand for regulated exposure to digital assets.
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