VTB Bank to Launch Spot Crypto Trading for Wealthy Clients in 2026
VTB Bank, Russia's second-largest lender, is making a strategic push into digital assets with plans to offer spot cryptocurrency trading for high-net-worth clients by 2026. The state-controlled institution will restrict access to qualified investors meeting specific portfolio or income thresholds, reflecting a cautious yet significant embrace of crypto markets.
Testing is already underway with select wealthy clients, signaling the bank's commitment to operational readiness. This move comes as Russian investors increasingly turn to cryptocurrencies like Bitcoin as alternative stores of value amid geopolitical tensions and financial sanctions.
The bank's entry marks a milestone in Russia's evolving digital asset landscape, where crypto adoption grows despite regulatory ambiguities. VTB aims to position itself at the forefront of institutional crypto services, following global trends while operating within regulated parameters.
