Sberbank, Russia's largest bank, is a true innovator boldly stepping into the digital future by embracing cutting-edge technologies. Blockchain is not just a buzzword; it is a tool capable of transforming the financial landscape—making it more transparent, faster, and more secure.
A few years ago, few could have imagined that routine banking operations would take mere minutes and that document processing would be reduced to just a few clicks. But Sberbank has proven that it is possible. In 2018, the bank launched its own blockchain laboratory, where top minds work to turn what once seemed like science fiction into reality.
One of its first major successes was a 2019 oil supply deal conducted in partnership with Singapore-based Trafigura. A process that previously took an entire day was completed in just one hour. This was a clear signal: blockchain is not just an experiment but a functional tool reshaping the rules of the game.
Today, in 2025, Sberbank continues to move forward. At the conference "FI Day. Blockchain: On the Verge of a New Financial Era," Herman Gref did not hide his enthusiasm. According to him, blockchain is critically important—it will become the foundation of the digital economy in the near future. And Sber has no intention of staying on the sidelines. The bank is already preparing for cryptocurrency transactions in foreign economic activities. This is not just an innovation—it is a step toward a world where borders become blurred, and businesses gain more opportunities.
But Sberbank’s ambitions do not stop there. It is developing infrastructure for digital financial assets and discussing the creation of its own cryptocurrency exchange. This means that soon, the bank’s clients will be able to use crypto tools just as easily as traditional financial services.
Herman Gref is looking far ahead—he is confident that by 2030, blockchain will be handling up to 10% of global GDP. This is not just a bold prediction but a future that Sberbank is racing toward.
The journey is not easy: blockchain is a young technology, regulatory challenges remain complex, and trust in digital assets is still being built. One thing is clear—Sberbank is not afraid of challenges. It is not just observing the industry's development; it is shaping it. And perhaps, in just a few years, thanks to pioneers like Sber, finance will not only become digital but also truly convenient, accessible, and secure for everyone.
