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Sberbank Pilots Russia’s First Bitcoin-Backed Loan to Miner Intelion Data

The pilot uses bank-controlled custody to test crypto‑backed corporate lending under evolving central bank rules.

Overview

  • Sberbank said the transaction is a pilot and described it as the country’s first loan formally secured by cryptocurrency.
  • The collateral was transferred into the bank’s Rutoken custody system and remains locked until obligations are met.
  • Key terms such as loan size and duration were not disclosed, signaling a conservative operational test rather than a showcase deal.
  • The bank said the product could suit companies that hold digital assets on their balance sheets as regulation develops.
  • Intelion Data’s CEO said the structure lets miners access financing without selling bitcoin and could be scaled if it proves effective.