Share this article
Moscow Exchange Launches Bitcoin Futures for Qualified Investors
Sberbank, Russia’s largest bank, is also launching bitcoin futures and structure bonds tied to BTC.
Jun 4, 2025, 12:09 p.m.
Make us preferred on Google
What to know:
- Moscow Exchange launched bitcoin-linked futures contracts, only available for qualified investors.
- Futures are tied to the value of the iShares Bitcoin Trust ETF, quoted in U.S. dollars, and settled in Russian rubles.
- The launch follows the Bank of Russia's approval of crypto-linked derivatives.
The Moscow Exchange has launched bitcoin -linked futures contracts on Wednesday, yet the product is only available for qualified investors.
The futures, seemingly tied to the value of the U.S.-listed iShares Bitcoin Trust ETF (IBIT), will be quoted in U.S. dollars per lot, though settlement will be handled in Russian rubles.
STORY CONTINUES BELOW
Don't miss another story.Subscribe to the Crypto Daybook Americas Newsletter today. See all newsletters
The exchange said it would offer quarterly futures with the first expiration in September 2025, TASS reports.
The launch builds on momentum from other Russian financial players exploring crypto exposure without direct asset ownership. The Saint Petersburg Stock Exchange, TASS adds, has been testing similar cash-settled futures.
The country’s largest bank Sberbank is launching bitcoin futures along with the Moscow Exchange. Sberbank’s offerings also include structure bonds that track the price of bitcoin and the dollar-to-ruble exchange rate.
Russia’s central bank, long skeptical of crypto markets, approved last month the offering of securities and derivatives tied to cryptocurrencies, but only for qualified investors.
More For You
KuCoin captured a record share of centralised exchange volume in 2025, with more than $1.25tn traded as its volumes grew faster than the wider crypto market.
What to know:
- KuCoin recorded over $1.25 trillion in total trading volume in 2025, equivalent to an average of roughly $114 billion per month, marking its strongest year on record.
- This performance translated into an all-time high share of centralised exchange volume, as KuCoin’s activity expanded faster than aggregate CEX volumes, which slowed during periods of lower market volatility.
- Spot and derivatives volumes were evenly split, each exceeding $500 billion for the year, signalling broad-based usage rather than reliance on a single product line.
- Altcoins accounted for the majority of trading activity, reinforcing KuCoin’s role as a primary liquidity venue beyond BTC and ETH at a time when majors saw more muted turnover.
- Even as overall crypto volumes softened mid-year, KuCoin maintained elevated baseline activity, indicating structurally higher user engagement rather than short-lived volume spikes.
Di più per voi
Bitcoin’s weakness versus gold and equities puts quantum computing fears back in focus
Some investors have revived concerns that quantum computing could threaten bitcoin, but analysts and developers say recent price weakness reflects market structure.
Cosa sapere:
- Bitcoin’s recent price stagnation has sparked a renewed debate over quantum-computing risks, with investor Nic Carter arguing that quantum fears are already shaping market behavior.
- On-chain analysts and prominent investors counter that the slowdown is better explained by large holders taking profits and increased supply hitting the market around the $100,000 level.
- Most bitcoin developers still view quantum attacks as a distant, manageable threat, noting that proposed upgrades like BIP-360 provide a path to quantum-resistant security and are unlikely to explain short-term price moves.
Top Stories
