Bank of Russia clears 17 crypto exchangers as Sberbank and VTB ready retail trading

The Bank of Russia has cleared 17 crypto exchangers, including Sberbank and VTB, as both state-linked banks prepare to offer retail crypto trading by 1 December. The move signals a significant shift from Russia's previously restrictive stance toward digital assets, opening a large retail market through major regulated institutions. Traders should watch for liquidity and volume implications as two of the country's largest banks enter crypto, though the absence of named tokens limits direct ticker impact.