Moscow Exchange (MOEX), Russia's largest securities marketplace, is working to launch regulated spot trading for major cryptocurrencies, potentially operating 24/7 to align with global crypto‑native platforms.
The exchange is currently negotiating with brokers and testing the deposit, withdrawal, and clearing infrastructure needed for digital assets. Special crypto accounts are being piloted with selected brokers, and the exchange is exploring the feasibility of continuous, round‑the‑clock trading sessions.
Under Russia's new “Digital Currency and Digital Rights” law, only digital assets with high market capitalizations and a proven track record can be listed. At present, Bitcoin (BTC), Ethereum (ETH), and Solana (SOL) are the only coins that meet the central bank's strict criteria for spot trading.
Physical custody of crypto assets will be indirect: investors’ holdings will remain in digital depositaries managed by participating brokerage firms, similar to the model used by the National Settlement Depository. This reduces single‑wallet risk and provides an institutional‑grade security framework, while also easing the onboarding of traditional investors.
Moscow Exchange has already launched digital index futures, including MOEXSOL and MOEXXRP, signaling a broader push into crypto derivatives. The spot trading initiative remains exploratory, with no official launch date or finalized technical specifications. The central bank is overseeing the development, and any full launch will require regulatory approval and infrastructure capable of matching the reliability of established crypto exchanges.
The move positions MOEX as a potential domestic, regulated alternative to offshore venues that currently serve Russian crypto traders around the clock. It also reflects a growing global trend of traditional exchanges integrating digital asset services, further blurring the lines between conventional finance and the crypto market.
