Moscow Exchange to start Bitcoin trading tests, launch planned for December

The Moscow Exchange, Russia’s largest trading platform, is preparing to enable cryptocurrency trading for its clients. Senior managing director Boris Blokhin recently confirmed that testing with professional market participants began in early October, with full operations expected to start in December.

Testing phase and regulatory framework

Blokhin explained that the exchange has worked closely with relevant partners to set up essential infrastructure, emphasizing that these preparations started over a week ago. Trading will take place using a partner settlement digital depository, where market participants will be able to open accounts.

According to Blokhin, the Moscow Exchange does not require new licenses or permits to initiate cryptocurrency trading. The move aligns with Russia’s recently implemented law on digital currencies and digital rights, which came into force in September and established formal guidelines for the sector.

This legal framework allows existing exchanges, brokers, and trust managers to facilitate crypto trading, while also introducing new players such as specialized crypto exchangers and digital depositories responsible for asset ownership records.

Qualified investors will be allowed to buy any cryptocurrency offered through both exchange and over-the-counter markets, with no set restrictions. Meanwhile, unqualified investors will be able to purchase bitcoin and stablecoins up to an annual limit of 300,000 rubles, or approximately $3,556, and only through authorized intermediaries.