Russian banking giant VTB plans to allow customers to trade cryptocurrencies like Bitcoin directly

The head of brokerage services at Russian banking giant VTB, Andrey Yatskov, stated that they plan to allow clients to trade "real" cryptocurrencies directly through their brokerage accounts, rather than being limited to cryptocurrency derivatives.

VTB is ready to test the cryptocurrency trading platform with "super-qualified clients," meaning 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 that it is considering easing restrictions on cryptocurrency trading.