Woofun AI reports that Alfa-Bank intends to operate as a digital custodian, offering cryptocurrency services to its clientele and other legal entities. Chief Operating Officer Dmitry Vitman stated the bank seeks to develop open blockchain-based investment instruments to attract foreign capital and create competitive proprietary products. He expects retail brokerage services to emerge between late 2026 and early 2027 following regulatory implementation, though significant liquidity is not anticipated until at least the end of 2027. Under Russian law, digital custodians must monitor all client transactions and freeze transfers to unapproved addresses.