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

Sberbank, Russia’s largest lender, is reportedly planning to accept ether and the USDT stablecoin as collateral for crypto-backed loans, according to a report cited by CoinDesk. The move would expand the bank’s existing digital-asset lending program, which currently relies on a narrower set of collateral options. By incorporating ether and USDT, Sberbank appears to be responding to growing client demand for more flexible ways to access fiat liquidity without selling their crypto holdings.

From a market perspective, this development underscores a broader trend of traditional financial institutions integrating digital assets into standard banking services. Ether’s inclusion as collateral signals its maturation as a mainstream financial asset, while the addition of USDT highlights the practical role of stablecoins in bridging crypto and conventional finance. For borrowers, it may offer a more efficient route to leverage positions; for the market, it adds another layer of institutional validation.

Observers will likely watch how Sberbank implements risk management around the volatility of ether and the operational stability of USDT. Regulatory clarity in Russia, particularly around digital asset usage, will also be a key factor. The plan, once finalized, could serve as a test case for other large banks weighing similar offerings.