VTB Bank to Launch Direct Bitcoin Trading in 2026, Signaling Shift in Russian Financial Markets

Russia’s second-largest bank, VTB, is planning to launch direct Bitcoin trading by 2026, a move that could significantly impact financial markets and investor access. The decision comes after VTB announced plans for direct cryptocurrency trading at a Moscow conference, signaling a shift away from derivatives and towards direct holdings. The change requires regulatory approval, anticipated as part of wider changes to crypto regulations in Russia. This development is expected to increase legal trading opportunities for investors beyond the current derivative-based landscape.