Moscow Exchange plans Bitcoin and Ethereum perpetual futures launch

The Moscow Exchange (MOEX) plans to launch cash-settled perpetual futures on Bitcoin and Ethereum in September 2026, aligning with a sweeping Russian digital currency law taking effect September 1. While the new derivatives are initially restricted to qualified professional investors, the law establishes a regulated framework that will eventually allow retail investors to trade highly liquid assets up to an annual limit of 300,000 rubles ($3,500).

MOEX perpetual futures launch

• ▪The Moscow Exchange plans to launch cash-settled perpetual futures contracts on Bitcoin and Ethereum as early as September 2026.
• ▪The Moscow Exchange's perpetual futures contracts will feature automatic rollover for one-day contracts, allowing traders to hold positions indefinitely without manual rollover.

Russia digital currency law

• ▪A comprehensive Russian digital currency law is scheduled to take effect on September 1, 2026, establishing licensing rules for exchanges and digital asset custodians.
• ▪The Russian digital currency law taking effect on September 1, 2026, maintains strict bans on using cryptocurrency as a payment method within Russia.

Crypto derivatives expansion plans

• ▪The Moscow Exchange plans to launch perpetual futures on approximately 20 popular foreign stocks, including Amazon, AMD, Tesla, and Netflix, in the near future.
• ▪The Moscow Exchange plans to expand its crypto derivatives lineup to cover a total of ten different tokens, including Solana, XRP, Tron, and BNB.

Investor access restrictions

• ▪Under the new Russian legislation, non-qualified retail investors will be permitted to invest in crypto up to an annual limit of 300,000 rubles, or approximately $3,500.
• ▪The Central Bank of Russia approved only Bitcoin, Ethereum, and Tether's USDT stablecoin for public trading by ordinary Russian investors under its strict liquidity criteria.
• ▪The Moscow Exchange's new perpetual futures contracts will initially be restricted to qualified and professional investors, Russia's equivalent of accredited investor status.

Regulated crypto market infrastructure

• ▪The Moscow Exchange is preparing to establish a special depository for digital settlement purposes to facilitate the safekeeping and accounting of coin holdings.
• ▪Starting in July 2027, all cryptocurrency transactions in Russia must be conducted through licensed intermediaries such as financial brokers and capital management firms.

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