One of Russia\'s biggest banks, Sberbank, has announced the launch of a new blockchain research laboratory that will focus on blockchain technology and its potential applications to their business operations. 

In their latest press release, Sberbank says the aim of the lab is to focus on the research, development, and testing of new blockchain-based business solutions for the bank and for the financial services industry.

Senior Vice President of Sberbank, Igor Bulantsev, has said he believes blockchain technologies will help to change the landscape of the financial markets, and the bank\'s activities and services, providing greater security and transparency.

Blockchain technologies are revolutionary and have the potential to help stabilise and protect the financial industries. For example, the use of smart contract platforms, such as Ethereum, RootStock (RSK), and DocTailor will allow greater transparency and security for banking transactions and contracts. 

Sberbank\'s new lab will make use of blockchain specialists already experienced in the development and implementation of blockchain-based technologies.

The move comes in the wake of a number of blockchain-based initiatives undertaken by the Sberbank group, including its entry to the Enterprise Ethereum Alliance – a global collaborative project seeking to create a roadmap for best practice concerning blockchain technology and its applications.