Sberbank, Russia's largest bank, has launched a Bitcoin-linked structured bond, marking a key move towards integrating crypto into Russia's financial system. The bond ties investor returns to Bitcoin's performance and the strength of the US dollar against the Russian ruble.

Although only available to qualified investors, the product is fully approved by regulators.

The investment does not involve holding Bitcoin directly. Instead, it gives exposure to price movements while keeping all transactions in rubles and within Russia's financial infrastructure.

Sberbank is not stopping there. The bank plans to roll out a Bitcoin futures product via its SberInvestments platform, with a launch scheduled for June.

These developments follow a policy shift from the Bank of Russia, which now permits licensed firms to offer crypto-related investment options to selected investors.

Sberbank's involvement suggests that digital assets may soon become a mainstream feature of Russia's financial landscape.

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