Moscow Exchange to Launch Bitcoin, Ether Trading in December
Written by: Ezra Reguerra, staff writer Edited by: Yohan Yun, staff editor
Moscow Exchange plans to launch crypto trading on December 1 under Russia’s new law, with annual purchase limits for non-qualified investors.
Launch Details:
- Date: December 1
- Cryptocurrencies: Bitcoin, Ether, USDT
- Trading Hours: 6:50 am to 11:50 pm Moscow time
- Settlement: Initial support for same-day, next-day, and swap transactions
- Annual Purchase Limit: 300,000 rubles (about $3,700) per broker for non-qualified investors
Background:
The launch follows a Russian crypto law whose main provisions took effect on September 1. This law permits regulated trading but maintains a ban on cryptocurrency payments for goods and services in Russia.
Sanctions Impact:
Moscow Exchange and the National Clearing Center (NCC) have been under US sanctions since June 2024, with the UK and the European Union adding them to their sanctions lists in 2024 and 2026, respectively.
Market Demand and Competition:
Sergey Mendeleev, founder of Russian cross-border payments platform Exved, expresses skepticism about the exchange's potential, stating:
“Neither the global nor the local market will notice anything at all... For ordinary non-qualified investors, this is an entirely unattractive and unprofitable proposition.”
He also predicts competitive challenges, mentioning "absolutely outrageous spreads" and questioning the platform's ability to attract traders.
Related:
- Russia to ban direct peer-to-peer crypto trades starting July 2027
- AI agent disputes head to ‘Internet Court’ — and a jury of AI agents