Russian banking giant VTB plans to allow clients to trade bitcoin and other cryptocurrencies directly

According to ChainCatcher, Andrey Yatskov, head of brokerage services at Russian banking giant VTB, stated that the bank plans to allow clients to directly trade “real” cryptocurrencies through their brokerage accounts, rather than being limited to cryptocurrency derivatives.

VTB is ready to test its cryptocurrency trading platform with “super qualified clients,” defined as those with a portfolio value exceeding $1.3 million or an annual income over $649,000. The Central Bank of Russia had previously opposed cryptocurrencies, but recent reports indicate it is now considering relaxing restrictions on cryptocurrency trading.