The Moscow Exchange has announced the commencement of Bitcoin futures trading, providing new opportunities for qualified investors.
Start of Bitcoin Futures Trading
The Moscow Exchange has started trading Bitcoin futures available to qualified investors from June 4, 2025. The product, based on the Bitcoin Trust ETF, will trade under the ticker IBIT in US dollars per lot, with settlements in Russian rubles. Contracts will follow a quarterly schedule, with the first batch set to expire in September 2025.
Reactions from Other Market Players
Other exchanges are also starting to test cryptocurrency-linked products. The SPB Exchange is conducting trials of cash-settled futures tied to cryptocurrency prices, while the largest Russian bank, Sber, is preparing similar offerings aimed solely at institutional investors.
Position of the Central Bank of Russia
The Central Bank of Russia maintains a strict stance towards direct investments in cryptocurrency, emphasizing risks and instability. However, pilot programs for trading cryptocurrencies under strict rules have been proposed, accessible only to 'highly qualified' investors.
The launch of Bitcoin futures trading on the Moscow Exchange marks a new step in the controlled regulation of the cryptocurrency market in Russia, allowing investors to speculate on price movements without direct ownership of assets.
