The Moscow Exchange is preparing its own cryptocurrency depository: it is planned to use it for accounting and supporting operations with digital currencies. The launch is expected at the turn of the end of 2026 and the beginning of 2027.
The service will not be deployed within the existing exchange infrastructure or based on the National Settlement Depository. A separate independent structure will be created for the project, which will work with crypto assets under new market rules.
In this scheme, cryptocurrency is considered not as a bank deposit, but as a digital asset: in accounting and investment records, the exact record of ownership, the place where data is stored, and the procedure for access to operations are important. Therefore, the depository differs from a regular wallet or a situation where a purchase is paid for with a bank card.
What Is a Cryptocurrency Deposit
A cryptocurrency deposit is usually understood as a financial product in which the owner places digital assets on a platform and expects to receive income. Other names are also used: crypto deposit, savings account in cryptocurrency, staking, or farming — the meaning and risks depend on the specific scheme.
The main difference from regular wallet storage is the purpose of placement. A wallet is needed to hold assets and manage access to them. A crypto deposit implies that assets participate in the platform’s product: interest may be accrued at a fixed rate, a floating rate, or through staking and farming mechanisms.
A fixed deposit is usually tied to a term: the rate is known in advance, but early withdrawal may lead to a fee, restrictions, or loss of interest. The floating option is more flexible, but returns may change along with the market and platform conditions.
Where to Store Cryptocurrency and Earn Income
The choice depends on what is more important: control over assets, convenience, regulation, or profitability.
- A cold wallet is suitable for self-storage: access to assets remains with the owner, but this method alone does not generate income.
- Exchanges are convenient for trading and quick exchange, but reliability depends on the platform’s security, its rules, and the stability of its infrastructure.
- Depositories focus on accounting rights, access to operations, and working within a regulated framework.
- DeFi platforms can offer staking, farming, and other income-generating mechanisms, but require more attention to technical risks.
When choosing a platform, people usually look at security, regulation, withdrawal conditions, fees, the presence of insurance or compensation mechanisms, and how exactly profitability is formed.
How to Open a Crypto Deposit and What Risks to Consider
The usual procedure is as follows: choose a platform, complete registration and verification, open an account or wallet, fund it with cryptocurrency or another available method, then choose a product with fixed or floating returns.
Earnings on a crypto deposit are based on the accrual of interest or rewards. In staking, assets help support the network, and the owner receives a reward according to its rules. In farming, income is related to providing liquidity on DeFi platforms. These mechanisms differ from a classic bank deposit: returns do not guarantee capital protection.
Risks for crypto deposits are higher than for bank deposits: the asset price can change sharply, the platform may face a failure or hacking, and the level of insurance protection often depends on the specific service. Therefore, when choosing a cryptocurrency for investment, liquidity, capitalization, project prospects, and market entry timing are important. There is no universally advantageous moment: the crypto market is cyclical and remains risky.
How Cryptocurrency Accounting May Work
Market participants are discussing several options for the technical organization of the depository model. At the center of these scenarios is the choice between the Moscow Exchange infrastructure and proprietary solutions of brokers, banks, and other professional participants.
- A broker connects to the Moscow Exchange depository or uses its own digital depository.
- A mixed scheme: transactions are conducted on the Moscow Exchange, while storage and accounting remain with the bank or broker.
- The broker opens an anonymous digital account for the client if access to trading is through the Moscow Exchange.
- Professional participants open nominee holder accounts in the Moscow Exchange depository without a separate account for each client.
For the market, this is a more complex infrastructure than an online digital currency exchange service: the depository is responsible not only for the transaction but also for accounting for rights to digital assets. Such a framework is important for investments in the crypto market, including operations with the most well-known assets like bitcoin.
Banks Are Also Preparing Crypto Depositories
Major financial groups have previously announced their own digital depositories:
- Sber
- VTB
- T-Bank
- Alfa-Bank
They are preparing to launch services simultaneously with the entry into force of new regulations.
Sberbank plans to add a crypto wallet and digital depository to Sberbank Online and SberInvestments by December 1, 2026. Kirill Tsarev, First Deputy Chairman of the Board of Sber, said that the bank could become an intermediary for Russians who want to trade on foreign crypto exchanges.
VTB intends to obtain Central Bank licenses to work with cryptocurrencies and serve both private clients and businesses. The bank also participates in a working group discussing a bill on the regulation of digital currencies.
The T-Bank group plans to launch a crypto service based on the Atomize platform immediately after the new rules come into force. In parallel, they plan to organize the sale of cryptocurrency through the T-Investments broker.
Alfa-Bank is also preparing its own digital depository and expects to offer such services to other companies. In addition, the bank plans to create Russian investment instruments on open blockchains, which may be of interest to foreign investors.
Why the Launch of the Moscow Exchange Depository Is Important for the Market
The launch of the Moscow Exchange depository will increase competition between the exchange, banks, and brokers. The market expects that competition for clients will push participants toward more convenient services and better terms.
The emergence of regulated crypto depositories makes the market clearer: the accounting of rights is separated from a regular wallet, and access to operations passes to licensed intermediaries.
On August 4, 2026, Vladimir Putin signed the law “On Digital Currencies and Digital Rights.” Most of the provisions will take effect on September 1.
The law sets rules for crypto exchanges, exchangers, brokers, and digital depositories. Trading cryptocurrency will only be possible through licensed intermediaries. At the same time, it will still not be allowed to use crypto to pay for goods and services within Russia.
