Moscow Exchange to Launch Crypto Trading on December 1

Moscow Exchange (MOEX), Russia’s largest stock exchange, is preparing to launch cryptocurrency trading on December 1 under the country’s newly established regulatory framework. The platform is expected to initially support five major cryptocurrencies: Bitcoin (BTC), Ethereum (ETH), Solana (SOL), XRP, and TRON (TRX).

The move marks a significant step in Russia’s efforts to establish a regulated cryptocurrency market, allowing investors to access digital assets through licensed financial institutions.

Boris Blokhin, Moscow Exchange’s senior managing director for sales and business development, confirmed on October 8 that the exchange is conducting cryptocurrency trading tests with professional market participants.

The testing phase aims to evaluate trading functionality and ensure the infrastructure is ready for commercial operations.

“We will continue testing until launch. We plan to provide this cryptocurrency trading capability on December 1st, in line with the new legislation,” Blokhin said, according to Russian news agency TASS.

Moscow Exchange plans to leverage its existing trading license and stock market infrastructure to facilitate cryptocurrency transactions. Under the new regulations, the exchange can introduce digital asset trading without obtaining additional registration as a trading operator.

Russia’s updated cryptocurrency legislation took effect in early September, creating a legal framework for digital asset exchanges and custodial services.

The Bank of Russia has subsequently started registering cryptocurrency exchange operators and custodians, including major financial institutions such as Sberbank and VTB Bank.

Sberbank is also preparing to introduce cryptocurrency investment products on December 1. Customers will reportedly access these services through SberBank Online, SberInvestments, and SberBusiness.

However, Russia’s crypto regulations establish different investment restrictions based on investor qualifications.

Retail investors classified as unqualified will be permitted to purchase only Bitcoin, Ethereum, and Tether (USDT), subject to an annual investment ceiling of 300,000 rubles.

Qualified investors, meanwhile, will have access to a broader selection of cryptocurrencies through regulated exchanges and over-the-counter markets without investment limits.

The upcoming launch follows Moscow Exchange’s introduction of perpetual futures linked to Bitcoin, Ethereum, Solana, XRP, and TRON indices in September.

These derivatives are denominated in U.S. dollars, settled in Russian rubles, and available exclusively to qualified investors.

With spot cryptocurrency trading scheduled for December, Moscow Exchange is positioning itself as a major participant in Russia’s expanding regulated digital asset market.