FX.co ★ Russia opens three parallel digital financial tracks on September 1

The symbolism of September 1, 2026, is difficult to overstate. On that day, Russia's basic law on digital currencies comes into force, the country begins industrial deployment of the digital ruble, and Sber is preparing to offer clients loans backed by Bitcoin, Ether, and USDT.

The Bank of Russia has officially confirmed that, as soon as tomorrow, the country's largest banks and retail companies will open infrastructure for digital ruble operations. All 12 of the country's systemically important banks, including Sberbank, VTB, Gazprombank, Alfa Bank, T-Bank, and seven other major players, which together account for more than 80% of the payments market, have confirmed full readiness to allow clients to open digital ruble accounts and conduct transactions through mobile applications.

Against that backdrop, Sber's announcement of loans backed by cryptocurrency looks like a logical addition rather than a competitor to the state digital currency. Sber believes the launch of lending products backed by Bitcoin, Ether, and USDT will become possible immediately after the new law takes effect and those assets are admitted to public circulation. The bank had been preparing for the changes in advance and already has practical experience working with cryptocurrencies. At the same time, Sber is preparing to launch international settlements in digital currencies for businesses directly in its mobile app by the end of 2026.

These three initiatives create a coherent, though internally contradictory, picture of Russian financial digitization. The digital ruble remains a state instrument with full central bank control over issuance and circulation; private cryptocurrency is being admitted into circulation with strict limits and a ban on domestic payments; and banking products such as Sber's crypto-backed loans are becoming a kind of bridge between the regulated banking system and volatile digital assets.

Trading recommendations:

As for the technical picture for Bitcoin, buyers are currently targeting a return to $78,800, which opens a direct way to $81,200, and from there the distance to $83,600 is short. A break of that level will signal an attempt to restore a bull market. In case of a decline in BTC, I expect buyers at $77,200. A move back below that area may quickly drag BTC toward $75,300. The farthest target will be the $72,800 area.

As for the technical picture for Ethereum, a clear hold above $2,502 opens a direct path to $2,550. The farthest target will be the high around $2,625, a break of which will signal strengthening bullish sentiment and a return of buyer interest. In case of a decline in Ether, I expect buyers at $2,415. A move back below that area can quickly drag ETH toward $2,373. The farthest target will be the $2,320 area.

What we see on the chart:

- Red lines indicate support and resistance levels where either a price slowdown or active growth is expected;

- Green lines indicate the 50-day moving average;

- Blue lines indicate the 100-day moving average;

- Light green lines indicate the 200-day moving average.

A crossover, or a price test of moving averages, typically either halts the move or sparks fresh market momentum.