VTB, Russia’s second largest bank, will allow customers to buy Bitcoin directly and also recommends a portfolio allocation of 7% of cryptocurrencies

Andrey Yatskov, head of brokerage at VTB (Foreign Trade Bank), Russia’s second largest bank, said that VTB will allow investors to buy and sell cryptocurrencies directly through their brokerage accounts.
(Preliminary summary: Russia’s largest Federal Savings Bank Sberbank will provide crypto asset custody, what signal does it send?)
(Background supplement: Russia passed the CBDC bill: forcing companies and banks to accept digital ruble payments from September next year)

Andrey Yatskov, head of brokerage business at VTB (Foreign Trade Bank), Russia’s second largest bank, said on December 3 Officially announced at the "Russia Calling!" investment forum held in Moscow on the same day, VTB will allow investors to directly buy and sell cryptocurrencies through their brokerage accounts.

As early as 2026

According to VTB’s plan, this service will be online as soon as 2026, but the actual time still needs to wait for the final approval of the Russian financial regulator. However, the Central Bank of Russia (CBR) has made it clear that relevant regulations can be implemented as soon as possible in the next few months. By then, VTB customers will be able to buy, hold and sell cryptocurrencies such as Bitcoin (BTC) directly in individual investment accounts (IIS) or general brokerage accounts, completely replacing the current indirect investment model that can only be done through foreign funds or index derivatives.

Russia has long had a conservative policy on cryptocurrencies, and in the past only allowed high-net-worth investors with assets over 100 million rubles (about $1.1 million) or annual income over 50 million rubles to participate in experimental transactions. After the new regulations are released, restrictions will be significantly relaxed, market transparency will be improved, and general retail investors will be able to participate legally.

VTB recommends allocating 7% of the investment portfolio to Bitcoin

It is worth mentioning that VTB also recommends that investors allocate 7% of the investment portfolio to Bitcoin and other cryptocurrencies. Officials emphasized that the move would help diversify investment portfolios and viewed cryptocurrencies as an effective tool against inflation and geopolitical risks. Although crypto assets are highly volatile, VTB believes that their long-term growth potential is sufficient to enhance overall returns and is an asset class that cannot be ignored currently.

JUST IN: RUSSIA'S STATE OWNED BANKING GIANT VTB JUST SAID THEY RECOMMEND 7% ALLOCATION TO #BITCOIN AND CRYPTO

GLOBAL BTC RACE JUST BEGINNING 🚀 pic.twitter.com/qPQo4dysoG

— The Bitcoin Historian (@pete_rizzo_) December 4, 2025