TL;DR
- Survey shows 83% of Russians know cryptocurrency; half seek legal ways to hold digital assets.
- 43% desire a secure Russian crypto wallet, but unclear regulations remain a significant barrier.
- The central bank allows derivatives, but aims to restrict retail access for now, favoring institutional products.
A recent survey by Sber Analytics shows broad awareness of cryptocurrency across Russia and a clear demand for regulated digital asset services. According to the report, 83% of respondents know the concept, and nearly half of that group wants a lawful way to hold and manage digital money.
Anatoly Popov, a senior executive at Sberbank, presented the findings during a forum on artificial intelligence and blockchain. Popov said Russian users want tools that operate under clear rules and allow safe exposure to crypto assets. He noted that 43% of individuals familiar with crypto want a secure Russian crypto wallet, while 33% plan to open one soon. A smaller portion already holds wallets, although daily use remains limited.
The poll indicates that 19% have purchased crypto, and 41% intend to buy, yet many cite unclear regulations or limited savings as barriers. Popov said this reaction guides Sberbank’s efforts to offer exposure to BTC and ETH through regulated market instruments instead of direct ownership.
Interest in legal wallets rises as banks and regulators assess next steps
The Central Bank of Russia recently allowed domestic firms to offer crypto derivatives and authorized institutions, including Sberbank, to launch products tied to foreign crypto indices. The central bank has expressed interest in broader legalization of crypto investments but aims to restrict retail access for now.
Popov also said Sberbank stays in contact with regulators to ensure that upcoming services protect investors and support financial stability. Survey data shows Russians use digital assets mainly to store value (33%), while a smaller share uses them for payments or cross-border transfers. The report highlights a gap between age groups: younger participants show stronger interest in decentralized money, while older respondents cite concerns about volatility and fraud.
