The Moscow Exchange has launched trading of Bitcoin futures, marking a significant step in the growing acceptance of cryptocurrency in Russia. These new products are tied to the performance of the BlackRock Bitcoin ETF (IBIT), which has recently experienced substantial growth.While this development signals Russia’s continued embrace of crypto, the futures contracts are available only to qualified investors. This reflects the country’s cautious approach to regulating digital assets.Moscow Exchange Rolls Out Bitcoin FuturesThe Moscow Exchange's futures contracts will be linked to the value of the IBIT. They will be traded in US dollars per lot, with settlements processed in Russian rubles. The futures will be offered quarterly, with the first expiring in September 2025. Notably, MOEX step aligns with recent developments in the Russian financial system. The government has made strides to allow more crypto-linked products within a controlled environment. The Bank of Russia approved the issuance of derivative instruments and securities tied to the value of crypto for qualified investors in May 2025. However, the central bank remains cautious, advising against direct crypto investments for most financial organizations and their clients.IBIT’s Positive Ascent Russia’s growing interest in crypto comes amid broader shifts in global financial markets. The success of the BlackRock Bitcoin ETF underscores the increasing institutional adoption of crypto-based financial products. This move comes just days after IBIT’s impressive rise to become one of the world’s top 25 exchange-traded funds by assets under management (AUM). According to Bloomberg ETF analyst Eric Balchunas, IBIT has accumulated $72.4 billion in AUM.Despite the success of IBIT, the Bank of Russia maintains caution by limiting such offerings to qualified investors.Sberbank Expands Bitcoin-Investment ProductsMeanwhile, Russia’s largest bank, Sberbank, is planning to launch a new investment product tied to Bitcoin’s price movements. These structured bonds are currently available to a select group of qualified investors via the over-the-counter market. Unlike typical crypto investments, the structured bonds provide exposure to Bitcoin without requiring a crypto wallet or dealing with unregulated foreign platforms. Instead, the entire transaction process is conducted in rubles within Russia’s financial and regulatory framework.
