Moscow exchange to launch bitcoin, ether and usdt trading on dec 1
The venue will limit non‑qualified investors to 300,000 rubles ($3,700) a year and operates under U.S., UK and EU sanctions.
Key takeaways
- 1Trading of bitcoin, ether and usdt to start on 1 dec 2026.
- 2Non‑qualified investors limited to 300,000 rubles ($3,700) per broker annually.
- 3Trades cleared through the National Clearing Center with same‑day and next‑day settlement.
- 4Exchange and NCC subject to U.S., UK and EU sanctions since 2024‑2026.
Moscow Exchange announced on Monday that trading in bitcoin, ether and tether’s usdt will begin on 1 december 2026. Pilot trades will start as participants join the platform. Trading hours are set from 6:50 am to 11:50 pm Moscow time.
The exchange will use its existing stock‑market infrastructure and clear all orders through the National Clearing Center. Settlement will be offered on a same‑day and next‑day basis and swap transactions will also be supported. Non‑qualified investors must pass a qualification test and can purchase up to 300,000 rubles (about $3,700) per broker each year.
The launch follows Russia’s new crypto law that came into force on 1 september, which permits regulated trading while maintaining a ban on using cryptocurrencies for payments. The law aims to bring digital assets into the formal financial system. Moscow Exchange and the NCC have been listed on U.S., UK and EU sanctions regimes since mid‑2024 and July 2026 respectively.
Moscow Exchange said the new venue will be Russia’s first organised digital‑currency market and will operate within the legal framework. Sergey Mendeleev, founder of the cross‑border payments platform Exved, said he doubts the market will attract significant demand and warned of “absolutely outrageous spreads”. He added that while the platform could aid foreign‑trade settlements, it may struggle to compete with existing precious‑metals accounts at banks.
Traders will watch early liquidity and spread levels as the pilot unfolds. Regulators abroad may scrutinise the exchange for sanctions compliance, potentially limiting foreign participation. For Russian investors the launch offers a regulated way to hold crypto, but the payment ban and tight purchase caps keep it a niche offering.
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Reported and edited by the YourKhabri desk under our editorial policy. Nothing here is investment advice.