Sberbank has received Bank of Russia approval to provide cryptocurrency exchange services and plans to launch initial products on Dec. 1 through SberBank Online, SberInvestments and SberBusiness, with Bitcoin, Ether and USDT expected among the first supported assets. Moscow Exchange also plans to begin client cryptocurrency trading in December and is testing the service with professional market participants through a partner settlement digital depository. The developments follow Russia’s September framework for cryptocurrency trading, custody, recordkeeping and cross-border settlements. Non-qualified investors face an annual purchase limit of 300,000 rubles through an intermediary, while cryptocurrency payments for ordinary domestic goods and services remain prohibited. U.S. sanctions restrictions continue to apply to dealings involving blocked Russian institutions, including Sberbank.