Moscow Exchange launches Bitcoin ETF futures trading for qualified investors

After a series of pro-crypto moves, Russia is enabling qualified investors to gain exposure to Bitcoin.

Regulated Bitcoin (BTC) trading is coming to Russia, but for qualified investors only. On Wednesday, June 4, the Russian news agency TASS reported that the Moscow Exchange will list a Bitcoin ETF futures contract. The product will be linked to the value of the IBIT Bitcoin Trust ETF, a U.S.-based Bitcoin spot ETF.

“Trading in this new product will begin on June 4, 2025, and will be exclusively available to qualified investors,” Moscow Exchange.

The futures will be structured as quarterly investment contracts, with the first one expiring in September 2025. Qualified investors will purchase the shares priced in U.S. dollars, but Moscow Exchange (MOEX) will process the settlements in Russian rubles.

Just two days prior, Sberbank, Russia’s largest bank, launched its own structured bond product, also available only to qualified investors. This product allows users to speculate on Bitcoin’s price against the U.S. dollar, as well as the dollar’s appreciation against the ruble.

Russia moves ahead in crypto adoption

This latest move reflects Russia’s evolving stance on Bitcoin. In April, the Moscow Exchange also revealed plans to launch a dedicated crypto exchange, though it will cater only to “super-qualified investors,” according to Finance Minister Anton Siluanov.

Crypto regulation in Russia remains in an experimental phase, which is why access is currently limited to qualified participants. Much of the country’s crypto trading is still believed to take place in unregulated or informal markets, according to Russian authorities. The new initiatives are part of a broader strategy to bring crypto activity into the formal financial system.

At the same time, Russia is tightening its grip on crypto’s potential misuse. In May, the Ministry of Justice announced a draft bill that would enable courts to freeze and seize crypto assets belonging to individuals under investigation or those convicted of criminal activity.

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