Sberbank Issues Russia's First Bitcoin-Backed Loan to Intelion Data
Written by Ohris M. Greyoon, Blockchain & Crypto Expert
Source: Coinmarketcap
Updated: Dec 29 2025- First Bitcoin Loan: On December 29, Sberbank issued its first bitcoin-backed loan to Intelion Data, a prominent Bitcoin mining firm in Russia, marking a significant evolution in the country's financial system regarding cryptocurrency regulation and potentially paving the way for broader adoption of crypto financial tools.
- Collateral Mechanism: The loan is secured by bitcoin mined by Intelion Data, with Sberbank's proprietary Rutoken ensuring asset security during the loan period, showcasing the bank's innovation in digital asset collateral mechanisms.
- Market Response: Despite a 23.58% decline in bitcoin's price over the past 90 days, its 24-hour trading volume surged by 219.65% to $47.35 billion, indicating a positive market reaction to the new loan initiative, which could set a precedent for future expansion into digital asset markets.
- Strategic Implications: This initiative not only reflects Russia's gradual easing of cryptocurrency policies but also has the potential to influence financing methods for blockchain technologies, driving strategic innovation and development within the financial sector.
About the author
Ohris M. Greyoon
Ohris M. Greyoon holds a Master’s in Computer Science from MIT and has 10 years of experience in blockchain technology and cryptocurrency markets. A pioneer in decentralized finance (DeFi) analysis, he leads Intellectia’s Crypto News, offering cutting-edge insights into digital assets.
