In latest Bitcoin news, Russia’s largest stock exchange has entered the cryptocurrency market with the launch of Bitcoin futures trading on the Moscow Exchange (MOEX).
On June 4, 2025, qualifying investors were able to purchase the new financial instrument. This is one of the latest and major developments in Russia’s changing approach to crypto.
Russia’s Moscow Exchange Restricts Bitcoin Futures to Qualified Investors
Russia’s largest Moscow Exchange has implemented strict eligibility requirements for its new Bitcoin futures trading. As per the details, they have limited access to “highly qualified” investors who meet specific financial thresholds.
To participate in the cryptocurrency derivatives market, investors must possess either investments in securities and deposits exceeding 100 million rubles or show income of more than 50 million rubles in the previous year.
This exclusive access structure follows recommendations from Russia’s Central Bank. The recommendations proposed allowed only a limited number of investors to participate.
The qualification requirements aim to restrict exposure to what regulators consider high-risk investment products.
The futures contracts track the iShares Bitcoin Trust ETF, which follows Bitcoin price movements, with each contract lot equivalent to one share of the investment fund.
Bitcoin News: Russia’s Central Bank Maintains a Cautious Stance
The Central Bank of Russia continues to view cryptocurrencies as investment products rather than legal tender. Despite this limiting policy, the bank has cited increased demand from Russian citizens to invest in cryptocurrencies.
The regulatory framework is a prudent mix of market demand and financial stability issues. In recent Bitcoin news in February, the Central Bank called on financial institutions to limit their role in digital currency dealings.
It had, however, come up with proposals in March to regulate investments in cryptocurrency under conditions.
The Central Bank pilot program provides for a test of cryptocurrency derivatives in a contained environment.
The pilot three-year program is to monitor market conduct and risk management without jeopardizing domestic monetary policy and payment system stability.
Experts point out that the Moscow Exchange system provides Russian investors with a regulated environment. In third-party cryptocurrency systems problems in withdrawing funds usually lead to investor losses.
High Volatility Makes Bitcoin Futures Suitable for Speculation
These new Moscow Exchange Bitcoin futures are an opportunity and a risk for advanced investors. The unpredictable price swings of Bitcoin can bring tens of percent returns or losses in one quarter. These derivatives are attractive to investors who are ready to engage in high-risk speculation.
The two roles played by futures contracts in Russia’s economy are that speculative traders can gain from price movements in Bitcoin without employing unregulated offshore platforms that often freeze fund withdrawals.
Official recognition by the Moscow Exchange and regulation by the Central Bank ensure safety that no third-party platforms can provide.
More operationally, the futures provide hedging facilities to companies involved in foreign economic transactions in Bitcoin.
The companies may utilize such contracts to lock in Bitcoin prices in their deals. This assists in offsetting currency risk in cross-border trade deals.
This hedging role is especially useful in light of Russia’s limited exposure to conventional international payment systems. Cross-border firms can hedge exposure to Bitcoin using regulated derivatives without being exposed to domestic bans on cryptocurrency payments.
Source: https://www.thecoinrepublic.com/2025/06/04/bitcoin-news-btc-futures-go-live-on-russias-largest-exchange/