Sberbank Introduces Bitcoin-Linked Structured Bonds Incorporating USD/RUB Exchange Dynamics

On June 2, 2025, Sberbank, Russia’s largest banking institution, announced the launch of a new structured bond product that ties returns to Bitcoin price fluctuations alongside changes in the U.S. dollar to Russian ruble exchange rate.

These bonds are initially offered over-the-counter to a limited set of qualified investors and provide a dual exposure: investors benefit from Bitcoin’s performance against the dollar and any strengthening of the dollar versus the ruble.

The product is designed to give investors access to cryptocurrency-linked gains without requiring a crypto wallet or dealings on foreign crypto platforms, with all settlements conducted in rubles within Russia’s regulatory framework.

Sberbank also disclosed plans to roll out similar crypto-structured products on the Moscow Exchange soon.

In addition, starting June 4, the bank’s SberInvestments platform will launch a Bitcoin futures product, coinciding with the Moscow Exchange listings.

This development aligns with the Bank of Russia’s recent directive allowing domestic financial firms to offer crypto-linked financial instruments to eligible investors, signaling growing institutional acceptance of digital asset products in the country.