Moscow Stock Exchange Launches Bitcoin Futures

The Moscow Exchange (MOEX) officially launched Bitcoin futures trading on June 4, 2025, marking a new milestone in the integration of cryptocurrency into Russia's traditional financial system. This is the first Bitcoin futures trading product in the country, exclusively for qualified investors as per the regulations of the Central Bank of Russia.

These contracts will be linked to BlackRock's iShares Bitcoin Trust (IBIT) ETF, listed in the United States, and settled in Russian rubles. This product will have quarterly maturities, with the first contract expiring in September 2025. This reflects the increasing interest of Russian financial institutions in cryptocurrency, although direct investment in Bitcoin remains restricted.

The launch of Bitcoin futures trading signifies a significant shift in Russia's financial policy toward cryptocurrency, although the Central Bank of Russia continues to maintain a cautious stance on direct investments in cryptocurrencies.