The Moscow Exchange (MOEX) has officially launched cryptocurrency-linked futures trading, starting June 4, 2025, for qualified investors only, according to a report from Russian state news agency TASS.
The new derivatives product is tied to the value of a Bitcoin Trust ETF (ticker: IBIT) and is quoted in U.S. dollars per lot, while settlements are conducted in Russian rubles. The exchange confirmed that the futures will follow a quarterly expiration cycle, beginning with the September 2025 series.
Institutional Access Only — For Now
The offering is restricted to qualified investors, in line with the Bank of Russia’s cautious approach to digital assets. The regulator permitted the trading of derivatives and securities linked to cryptocurrency value earlier in May, but still discourages direct investment in cryptocurrencies for both institutions and individuals.
“This is a significant milestone for Russia’s regulated markets, offering exposure to crypto price dynamics without requiring direct crypto ownership,” MOEX stated.
SPB Exchange and Sber Follow Suit
Russia’s SPB Exchange previously confirmed it had been testing cash-settled crypto futures, while Sber, the country’s largest bank, is also preparing to launch a crypto-linked product. These offerings cater to investors seeking digital asset exposure under the existing regulatory framework, without holding crypto directly.
The move by Moscow Exchange and its peers reflects a growing demand for regulated crypto investment vehicles in Russia’s financial ecosystem, even as direct crypto transactions remain restricted.
A Regulated Middle Ground
While the Bank of Russia remains firm in its stance against broad retail crypto access, the introduction of crypto-linked financial instruments marks a strategic shift toward controlled adoption.
With these new offerings, Russian institutions and high-net-worth investors can now gain exposure to cryptocurrency market movements through traditional financial infrastructure — a step that may reshape the country’s evolving stance on digital assets.
Kosta Gushterov
Reporter at Coindoo
Kosta has been a part of the team since 2021 and has solidified his position with a thirst for knowledge, incredible dedication to his work and a “detective-like” mindset. He not only covers a wide range of trending topics, he also creates reviews, PR articles and educational content. His work has also been referenced by other news outlets.
Source: https://coindoo.com/moscow-exchange-begins-trading-crypto-linked-futures-for-qualified-investors/