- Moscow Exchange debuts bitcoin futures for accredited investors tied to BlackRock’s IBIT ETF.
- BlackRock’s IBIT ETF enters the global top 25 ETFs with $72.4 billion in assets under management.
- Russian banks expand crypto investment options but retail investors face strict restrictions.
The Moscow Exchange (MOEX), Russia’s largest stock exchange, is now offering bitcoin futures linked to BlackRock’s iShares Bitcoin Trust ETF (IBIT). Starting from June 4, 2025, Russian institutional investors could access bitcoin through the new regulated investment product.
This announcement coincides with a growing global interest in crypto derivatives, as BlackRock’s IBIT moves into a position among the world’s top 25 ETFs by assets under management.
Bitcoin Futures Debut on Moscow Exchange Amid Regulatory Shift
The Moscow Exchange now offers bitcoin-linked futures contracts exclusively to accredited investors, reflecting a sharp shift in Russia’s approach to digital assets. Each contract tracks the IBIT ETF, which is listed on U.S. exchanges and represents fractional bitcoin ownership through a regulated vehicle. The new futures contracts quote prices in U.S. dollars but settle transactions in Russian rubles.
The Russian central bank opened the door for the exchange by allowing qualified investors to trade crypto-related securities and derivatives in May 2025. The regulatory change follows years of restrictions on direct bitcoin investments in Russia’s traditional financial sector. According to official figures, MOEX reported 36.9 million brokerage accounts as of May, with over 315,000 classified as qualified private investors.
Trading for the new futures began on Wednesday, and the Moscow Exchange plans to introduce investor qualification tests starting June 23. The contracts will expire quarterly, with the first expiring in September 2025. The Saint Petersburg Stock Exchange has also started a pilot program for cash-settled crypto futures, highlighting the country’s move toward digital assets.
Rising Institutional Interest as Sberbank and T-Bank Join Crypto Market
Furthermore, Sberbank and T-Bank, two major Russian banks, are expanding their digital asset offerings. Sberbank has recently introduced bitcoin futures and structured bonds that monitor bitcoin’s price and the U.S. dollar to ruble exchange rate. These products show that MOEX’s policy is to allow clients to access Bitcoin without direct crypto asset ownership.
The move aligns with global trends, as BlackRock’s IBIT ETF rapidly advanced to the top 25 ETFs worldwide, amassing $72.4 billion in assets in just 1.4 years. Bloomberg’s senior ETF analyst Eric Balchunas noted IBIT’s record inflows, which reached $15.5 billion in its first three months, placing it among the top ten ETFs for inflow streaks.
Despite the government’s strong support, most Russians are not yet participating in cryptocurrency trading. Current regulations restrict accredited investors’ access to crypto-derived products and ETF-linked products. This situation, however, is met with mixed reactions among retail traders who prefer direct cryptocurrency trading on global platforms.
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