Russian banking giant plans to allow customers to directly trade cryptocurrencies such as Bitcoin.

According to Odaily Planet Daily, Andrey Yatskov, head of brokerage services at Russian banking giant VTB, stated that plans are underway to allow clients to trade "real" cryptocurrencies directly through their brokerage accounts, rather than being limited to cryptocurrency derivatives. VTB is prepared to test its cryptocurrency trading platform with "super-qualified clients"—those with portfolios exceeding $1.3 million or annual income exceeding $649,000. The Central Bank of Russia has previously opposed cryptocurrencies, but recent reports indicate it is considering easing restrictions on cryptocurrency trading. (DLnews)