Moscow Exchange (MOEX) is expanding its crypto derivatives offering to meet growing demand for regulated digital-asset exposure in Russia. Starting September 22, qualified investors gain access to perpetual futures linked to Bitcoin, Ethereum, Solana, Ripple, and Tron indices.
This addition builds on a market that has attracted more than 72,000 qualified investors since MOEX launched its first crypto futures last summer. Those initial instruments generated volumes exceeding 600 billion rubles, establishing a client base for the exchange. Unlike standard futures, the new perpetual contracts renew automatically each day, eliminating the need for traders to close positions at the end of every trading session.
Retail investors remain excluded from the contracts, keeping liquidity concentrated among qualified accounts. Although Russia has opened certain crypto trading to retail investors while maintaining a ban on crypto payments, MOEX's professional-only structure means that growth relies heavily on qualified accounts and broker participation in bringing those accounts onboard.
Perpetual contracts allow for ongoing hedging and speculation without the repetitive rollover of positions, which could prevent investors from seeking similar activities overseas. Market observers note that Bitcoin and Ethereum are expected to capture most early volume due to established demand, while trading in Solana, Ripple, and Tron will indicate whether interest extends beyond the two largest cryptocurrencies. Sustained volume and rising open interest will determine if the September 22 launch succeeds in deepening market liquidity.
