Russia's Largest Exchange Sets Date for Crypto Trading Launch as BTC, ETH and USDT Move Into Regulated Ma

Russia’s largest exchange is preparing to open cryptocurrency trading in December,  moving closer to integrating digital assets into the country’s established financial-market infrastructure.

Regulated Crypto Trading in Russia

The Moscow Exchange, or MOEX, has begun testing cryptocurrency-trading operations with professional market participants, Russian news agency Interfax reported on Thursday, citing senior executives from the trading platform.

The exchange plans to work with a partner settlement digital depository, allowing participants to open accounts through the arrangement. The rollout will not require additional permits or licenses.

Retail investors would be able to trade only Bitcoin (CRYPTO: BTC), Ethereum (CRYPTO: ETH) and Tether (CRYPTO: USDT), within a limit of 300,000 rubles ($3582.28). “Qualified investors” will be able to purchase all cryptocurrencies that will be traded on the exchange 

Another Country Pivoting Toward Crypto?

The planned launch follows Russia’s new law on digital currencies and digital rights that came into force in September, providing a full legal framework for cryptocurrency trading.

Transactions may now take place through existing exchanges, brokers, and trustees, as well as through dedicated cryptocurrency exchanges and digital depositories.