Moscow Exchange to launch Bitcoin, Ether and USDT trading in December
Moscow Exchange plans to start pilot trading in Bitcoin, Ether and USDT on Dec. 1, using its existing infrastructure and the National Clearing Center for settlement. Trades will offer same-day and next-day settlement plus swaps. Non-qualified investors must pass a test and face an annual purchase cap of 300,000 rubles per broker. The launch follows Russia’s new law permitting regulated crypto trading while prohibiting crypto payments for goods and services. The exchange and clearing center are under US and UK sanctions, and the EU added the exchange to its list in July 2026. Payments executive Sergey Mendeleev doubts the market will attract demand, citing sanctions and potentially wide spreads, though he sees possible use in cross-border trade.
