Woofun AI reports that Alfa-Bank, Russia’s largest private bank, has commenced cryptocurrency trading tests through its brokerage arm, signaling a strategic pivot toward digital assets as the nation finalizes its regulatory framework. Dmitry Vitman, chief operating officer of the bank’s corporate and investment banking division, confirmed the initiative to RBC, noting that comprehensive services will launch once legislation takes effect. This move aligns Alfa-Bank with other major financial institutions, including Sber, VTB, and T-Bank, which are simultaneously outlining their strategies for the emerging regulated market.

The pilot program is currently restricted to a limited cohort of qualified investors using the Alfa-Investments app. The test environment includes a diverse array of assets, specifically Bitcoin, Ether, Solana, Litecoin, Tether USDt, USDC, and Zcash. While broader retail access remains pending, the bank has indicated that a wider launch could occur in the fourth quarter of 2026, contingent upon the adoption of necessary regulatory frameworks. Cointelegraph sought comment from Alfa-Bank regarding these trials but received no response prior to publication.

Woofun AI data shows that structurally, Alfa-Bank intends to establish a "digital depository" to serve as both an internal custodian and a service provider for external entities. This infrastructure aligns with the proposed "On Digital Currency and Digital Rights" bill, which defines digital custodians as a new category of regulated market participants. The legislation passed its first reading in the State Duma in April 2026 and aims to standardize crypto operations under the oversight of the Bank of Russia.

Legislative momentum appears to be accelerating, with Anatoly Aksakov, chairman of the State Duma’s Financial Market Committee, confirming that a package of cryptocurrency bills is ready for its second reading following approved amendments. This progression suggests that the regulatory hurdles delaying widespread institutional adoption are being systematically removed. The convergence of bank-led infrastructure development and finalized legislation marks a critical transition for Russia’s digital asset sector.