Russia’s Sberbank debuts Bitcoin-linked structured bond offerings to investors.

Russia’s largest bank, Sberbank, has launched a new structured bond product that links returns to Bitcoin’s price movements and changes in the USD to RUB exchange rate.

Available initially through over-the-counter deals to a limited group of qualified investors, these bonds offer payouts based on two factors: Bitcoin’s future value in U.S. dollars and any appreciation of the dollar against the Russian ruble.

The offering enables investors to gain exposure to cryptocurrency markets without needing a crypto wallet or access to foreign crypto exchanges. All transactions are settled in rubles and comply with Russia’s existing legal and financial systems.

Sberbank has also announced plans to bring more structured products with crypto exposure to the Moscow Exchange soon.

Additionally, starting June 4, the bank will introduce a Bitcoin futures contract via its SberInvestments platform, coinciding with its launch on the Moscow Exchange.

This move follows a recent decision by the Bank of Russia permitting local financial institutions to provide crypto-linked instruments to qualified investors.