Russia's VTB Bank says it is ready to pilot direct crypto trading

Several Russian commercial banks have indicated they will soon be able to offer direct cryptocurrency trading to clients, following a policy shift by the country's central bank, DL News reports. Currently, these banks are only permitted to offer crypto derivatives. VTB, Russia's second-largest bank, announced it has completed preparations for a pilot program to provide direct crypto trading services for high-net-worth clients. The bank added that it aims to become the first financial institution in Russia to offer these services.