The Central Bank of Russia has published statistics confirming the active participation of private investors in the new Bitcoin futures market. This article examines the trading volume, investment distribution, and limited opportunities for ordinary citizens.
Trading Volume of Bitcoin Futures
According to information published by the Central Bank of Russia, since the start of trading on June 4, the total volume of open positions in Bitcoin futures reached approximately 1.25 billion rubles (over $16 million). The majority of trades are attributed to private investors, who account for 97% of the total long positions.
Investment Distribution Among Market Participants
The majority of positions opened by investors involve amounts below 500,000 rubles (under $6,500). However, private investors managing larger capitals exceeding 100 million rubles significantly increased their investments as well. The Central Bank notes that these investors represent a small share, while opposite short positions are mainly occupied by non-residents.
Limited Access to Cryptocurrencies for Ordinary Citizens
Despite Russians holding over $25 billion in crypto assets, financial regulators, including the Central Bank, remain opposed to ordinary citizens accessing cryptocurrencies. In March, the bank proposed to limit access to digital currencies for highly qualified investors earning at least 50 million rubles.
Thus, the Bitcoin futures market in Russia is gaining momentum, yet access to this market remains restricted for most citizens. Regulators continue to warn about the risks of investing in cryptocurrency instruments.
