Moscow Exchange confirmed on November 2, 2026, that it will launch spot trading in Bitcoin, Ethereum and USDT on December 1. The platform will use its existing stock-market infrastructure and clearing through the National Clearing Centre.
Trading Mechanics and Settlement Options
Instruments will trade in both address-based and addressless modes through the standard order book. Sessions run from 6:50 a.m. to 11:50 p.m. Moscow time, matching the stock market schedule and providing roughly 17 hours of daily access. Settlement occurs on a same-day (TOD) or next-day (TOM) basis, with swap transactions available for liquidity management.
Initial operations start in pilot mode as brokers connect gradually. Moscow Exchange expects to add further digital assets over time, though no specific schedule has been released. The framework complies with Federal Law No. 282-FZ, effective September 1, 2026, which permits cross-border use of digital currencies by exporters and importers while maintaining the prohibition on domestic payments.
Non-qualified investors must complete a knowledge test and face an annual purchase limit of 300,000 rubles per broker. Qualified investors operate without this cap. Custody services are provided through partner digital depositories.
Market Context and Participant Onboarding
The launch follows months of preparation, including October 2026 pilot testing. Russian authorities aim to channel offshore crypto activity into regulated venues amid existing sanctions. One official projection estimates first-year volume could reach 4 trillion rubles. Moscow Exchange and the National Clearing Centre have operated under U.S. sanctions since June 2024, subject to wind-down licenses; the impact on USDT transactions remains uncertain given Tether’s wallet-freezing policies.
Gradual onboarding of participants begins on the December 1 launch date. Brokers and institutional clients will connect in stages, allowing the exchange to monitor system performance before wider access. This measured approach mirrors earlier rollouts of new asset classes on the platform.
Market participants can compare the new venue with existing offshore options by reviewing settlement speed, custody arrangements and regulatory oversight. Domestic retail investors should verify broker eligibility and complete required suitability testing ahead of the start date to avoid delays.
Frequently asked questions
What assets will trade on the Moscow Exchange crypto listing from December 1?
Spot trading begins with Bitcoin, Ethereum and USDT. Moscow Exchange plans to expand the list to additional international and domestic digital assets in later phases.
What are the trading hours for the new Moscow Exchange crypto instruments?
Sessions run from 6:50 a.m. to 11:50 p.m. Moscow time, covering both morning and evening periods and aligning with the existing stock market schedule.
Are there purchase limits for retail investors on the Moscow Exchange crypto listing?
Non-qualified investors must pass a suitability test and face an annual cap of 300,000 rubles per broker. Qualified investors have no such restriction.
How will settlement work for Bitcoin Ethereum and USDT trades?
Trades settle on a same-day or next-day basis with swap transactions available. Clearing is handled by the National Clearing Centre using existing stock-market processes.
By YasTech Editorial
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