Sberbank plans to add ether and USDT as collateral for crypto-backed loans: Report - CoinDesk

According to a report from CoinDesk, Russia’s largest bank, Sberbank, is reportedly planning to accept ether (ETH) and the stablecoin Tether (USDT) as collateral for its crypto-backed loan products. The move would expand the lender’s existing digital asset services, potentially offering borrowers more flexibility when seeking fiat or ruble-denominated credit.

The development is notable for a few reasons. First, adding USDT stablecoins as collateral is significant because their price is designed to remain pegged to the U.S. dollar, which could help mitigate the volatility that often complicates crypto lending. Second, including ether—the second-largest cryptocurrency by market capitalization—signals a broader institutional appetite beyond bitcoin. For the market, this represents another step toward mainstream integration, as a systemically important bank seeks to bridge traditional finance with digital assets.

Observers will likely watch how Russian regulators respond, given the country’s evolving legal framework for cryptocurrencies. Additionally, Sberbank’s actions may serve as a barometer for whether other traditional financial institutions will follow suit in accepting a wider range of digital collateral.