Russia’s Moscow Exchange (MOEX) is significantly expanding its digital asset footprint, with plans to introduce new indices and futures contracts tied to XRP, Solana, and Tron later this year. This strategic move, detailed by derivatives head Maria Silkina, will allow traders to gain exposure to these major cryptocurrencies without directly owning the underlying tokens, operating within the Bank of Russia’s regulatory framework. The expansion signals a structured, cautious opening of Russia’s regulated financial markets to a broader crypto ecosystem, building on existing Bitcoin and Ethereum products and potentially attracting new institutional flows.
about MOEX Expands Crypto Offerings with XRP, Solana, Tron Indices & FuturesBank of Russia
0 in Finance and 1 in Crypto last weekRussia Proposes Crypto Investment Rules with Retail Limits
The Bank of Russia has unveiled a landmark regulatory proposal that would create a controlled, legal pathway for citizens to invest in cryptocurrencies, but with significant restrictions. The framework introduces a bifurcated system, imposing a strict annual investment ceiling of 300,000 rubles (approximately $3,834) for retail investors while explicitly maintaining a ban on using digital assets for everyday payments. This move represents a significant shift toward formalizing crypto exposure within Russia’s licensed financial infrastructure.
about Russia Proposes Crypto Investment Rules with Retail LimitsRussia Reinforces Ruble-Only Rule, Bans Crypto Payments Domestically
Russia has reaffirmed its strict stance against using cryptocurrencies for domestic payments, insisting the ruble remains the sole legal tender. While crypto can be held as an investment or used in cross-border trade, lawmakers have closed the door on its use in everyday commerce. The position reflects ongoing central bank skepticism and a firm state monopoly over money.
about Russia Reinforces Ruble-Only Rule, Bans Crypto Payments DomesticallyVTB Bank to Offer Real Cryptocurrency Trading for Wealthy Clients by 2026
Russia’s second-largest bank, VTB, is planning a significant foray into digital assets, with a proposal to allow its wealthiest clients to buy and sell actual cryptocurrencies through its brokerage service by 2026. This move, pending regulatory approval, represents a notable shift in Russia’s traditional finance sector from offering derivative-based exposure to facilitating direct ownership of underlying coins. The initial rollout will be exclusively for high-net-worth individuals, marking a cautious but deliberate step toward integrating crypto into mainstream banking channels.
about VTB Bank to Offer Real Cryptocurrency Trading for Wealthy Clients by 2026Moscow Exchange Launches Bitcoin Futures for Qualified Investors
The Moscow Exchange has begun offering Bitcoin futures contracts, a major development in Russia’s gradual acceptance of cryptocurrencies. These contracts track the BlackRock Bitcoin ETF and are priced in USD but settled in rubles, allowing local traders to speculate on Bitcoin without using foreign platforms. Only qualified investors, such as large banks and funds, can participate, with the first batch expiring in September 2025. The Bank of Russia approved these products in May 2025 but maintains a cautious stance, warning against direct crypto dealings. Meanwhile, Sberbank is preparing Bitcoin-linked bonds for select clients, further expanding Russia’s crypto-linked financial offerings while keeping transactions domestic.
about Moscow Exchange Launches Bitcoin Futures for Qualified InvestorsRussia Uses Crypto for Grain Trade Amid Sanctions
Russia is advancing plans to use cryptocurrency in grain trade settlements, marking a deeper shift toward blockchain-powered global commerce. The Russian Agricultural Bank, in collaboration with the Bank of Russia, is assessing digital asset payment systems, building on prior crypto-backed oil deals with China and India. This strategy aims to circumvent Western sanctions that restrict access to SWIFT and dollar-based transactions, leveraging Bitcoin, Ethereum, and stablecoins like Tether. The move aligns with BRICS efforts to de-dollarize trade and create alternative financial infrastructure. While regulatory challenges persist, Russia’s crypto-driven grain trade could accelerate blockchain adoption in global commodities. Bitcoin’s price stands at $106,325, reflecting minor fluctuations amid these developments.
about Russia Uses Crypto for Grain Trade Amid SanctionsRussia Approves Crypto-Linked Investments for Qualified Investors
Russia’s Central Bank has approved trading of crypto-linked financial instruments for qualified investors, restricting access to those meeting specific legal criteria. These non-deliverable derivatives will only provide payouts based on price movements, not direct crypto ownership. The regulator has imposed strict risk controls, requiring full capital backing and exposure limits to mitigate volatility risks. Despite this step, the bank remains opposed to direct crypto investments. The decision follows ongoing efforts to regulate digital assets, including a proposed pilot program limiting crypto transactions to high-net-worth individuals and plans for a government-run crypto exchange. Russia has also been using crypto in international trade, particularly for oil transactions with India and China, to circumvent sanctions.
about Russia Approves Crypto-Linked Investments for Qualified InvestorsRussia Allows Crypto-Linked Products for Qualified Investors
Russia’s central bank has greenlit a trial program allowing financial institutions to offer crypto-linked derivatives and securities—but only to qualified investors with significant assets or income. The three-year experimental regime restricts access to those holding over 100 million rubles ($1.15M) in securities or earning 50 million rubles ($575K) annually, ensuring market exposure without direct crypto ownership. Russian banks like T-Bank have already rolled out Bitcoin-linked products via Atomyze. Globally, this aligns with trends such as Sygnum Bank’s SOL-backed loans and U.S. banks exploring a joint stablecoin. The Bank of Russia emphasizes conservative risk management, requiring full capital coverage for crypto instruments.
about Russia Allows Crypto-Linked Products for Qualified InvestorsRussia Allows Crypto Derivatives for Qualified Investors
The Bank of Russia will permit financial institutions to offer crypto-linked derivatives and tokenized securities to qualified investors, but these products must be non-deliverable—meaning investors cannot hold the underlying assets. The central bank emphasized strict risk assessments to protect financial stability while cautiously expanding exposure to digital assets. This decision aligns with Russia’s broader efforts to regulate crypto, including formalized mining rules, though exchange regulations are still pending. The policy shift follows a 51% spike in domestic crypto trading volumes, totaling $92.9 billion, with Bitcoin dominating holdings (62.1%). The central bank cited global regulatory trends, including the US’s pro-crypto stance under Trump, as a key driver but warned of compliance risks, particularly with stablecoins tied to sanctions.
about Russia Allows Crypto Derivatives for Qualified InvestorsRussia Allows Crypto-Linked Derivatives for Qualified Investors
The Bank of Russia announced that financial institutions can now offer crypto-linked derivatives to qualified investors, provided these instruments are ‘non-deliverable’—meaning no actual ownership of cryptocurrencies like Bitcoin or Ethereum is allowed. This policy change reflects Russia’s evolving stance on crypto, influenced by international sanctions post-Ukraine invasion. The central bank emphasized a ‘conservative approach,’ requiring full capital coverage and exposure limits, while maintaining warnings against direct crypto investments. This move follows earlier restrictions in 2020 and recent steps like legalizing crypto mining and proposing a state-backed crypto exchange. The new derivatives are part of Russia’s effort to develop domestic crypto infrastructure without relinquishing control.
about Russia Allows Crypto-Linked Derivatives for Qualified InvestorsRussian Banks Launch Bitcoin-Linked Crypto Products
Russian banks are now permitted to offer cryptocurrency-based financial instruments, such as derivatives and securities tied to Bitcoin prices, following approval from the Bank of Russia. The central bank’s May 28 announcement allows these products for qualified investors but prohibits the actual delivery of cryptocurrencies. This move marks a significant step in Russia’s evolving stance on digital assets, though restrictions remain in place to limit direct crypto exposure.
about Russian Banks Launch Bitcoin-Linked Crypto ProductsGlobal CBDC Struggles: Adoption Challenges & Delays
The global push for central bank digital currencies (CBDCs) has encountered significant challenges, with adoption lagging behind expectations. China’s digital yuan, one of the most advanced CBDC projects, has seen minimal uptake despite years of development. The EU’s digital euro, aimed at reducing reliance on payment giants like Visa and Mastercard, faces technological and market share concerns. Meanwhile, Russia’s digital ruble rollout has been delayed, with officials questioning its immediate necessity. Experts like Olga Goncharova argue that CBDCs have so far failed to deliver the anticipated technological breakthrough, instead resembling expensive versions of existing digital payment systems. The future of CBDCs remains uncertain as countries grapple with adoption, regulatory, and technological hurdles.
about Global CBDC Struggles: Adoption Challenges & Delays