The Moscow Exchange (MOEX) has started offering Bitcoin futures contracts linked to BlackRock’s iShares Bitcoin Trust ETF (IBIT). This is a big step for Russia’s financial markets. This change is a big step toward making cryptocurrency a part of Russia’s regulated financial markets. As of June 4, 2025, MOEX offers futures contracts that let qualified investors get a feel for how Bitcoin’s price changes without actually owning the cryptocurrency. The first set of these contracts will end in September 2025. They are written in U.S. dollars but paid out in Russian rubles.
The futures are linked to how well BlackRock’s IBIT ETF does. This ETF has quickly become one of the top 25 ETFs in the world by assets under management, with over $70 billion.
Changes in rules and participation by institutions
This launch comes after the Bank of Russia recently decided to let accredited investors buy crypto-linked derivatives from financial institutions. This shows that the bank is taking a cautious but forward-thinking approach to digital assets.
Sberbank and T-Bank, two of Russia’s biggest banks, have also started offering investment products related to Bitcoin. This shows that institutions are interested in the crypto sector.
Retail Investors Show Discontent
Even though these improvements have been made, retail investors are still not able to take advantage of these offerings. This has caused frustration in the crypto community. Many people say they would rather trade cryptocurrencies directly on sites like Binance than use structured products on MOEX.
The addition of Bitcoin futures to MOEX is a big step forward for Russia’s approach to cryptocurrency, as it gives qualified investors a regulated way to invest. The crypto investment landscape in Russia is set to change even more as institutional interest grows and regulations change.
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