Russia’s second-largest bank, VTB, is set to launch a crypto trading program for Bitcoin and other digital assets in 2026. This initiative marks a significant shift towards regulated cryptocurrency usage within the country, potentially boosting market transparency and adoption. The program, initially targeted at high-net-worth clients, will be overseen by VTB’s Head of Brokerage Services, Andrey Yatskov, who believes this transition signifies a major policy change for Russian banks and reflects global banking trends. The move comes as Russia navigates its evolving regulatory environment surrounding cryptocurrencies, potentially paving the way for increased liquidity and institutional investment in the space. Experts are optimistic that VTB’s involvement will drive wider cryptocurrency adoption, especially considering the program’s compliance with established financial regulations.