Moscow Exchange Launches Bitcoin Trading December 1 via Stock Infrastructure

Moscow Exchange, Russia's largest securities exchange, announced on November 2 that it will launch cryptocurrency trading on December 1, supporting Bitcoin, Ethereum, and USDT as the first digital assets. The exchange will process transactions through its National Clearing Centre using existing stock-market technology rather than building a separate system. The initiative aims to integrate cryptocurrencies into Russia's traditional financial infrastructure, providing eligible investors access through established brokers and clearing mechanisms. Trading hours will run from 6:50 a.m. to 11:50 p.m. Moscow time, with same-day and next-day settlement options available.

Moscow Exchange Announces December 1 Cryptocurrency Trading Launch

Moscow Exchange published details on November 2 confirming that it will introduce what it describes as Russia's first organized digital-currency market. The platform will use its existing stock-market technology rather than building an entirely separate trading system. Transactions will be processed through the National Clearing Centre, the exchange group's established clearing infrastructure. Investors will have access to same-day and next-day settlement arrangements, alongside swap transactions designed to support liquidity management. According to the official Moscow Exchange announcement, the initial trading schedule will run from 6:50 a.m. to 11:50 p.m. Moscow time.

National Clearing Centre Handles Transaction Processing

The National Clearing Centre will serve as the clearing infrastructure for all cryptocurrency transactions on Moscow Exchange. This represents an integration of digital assets into Russia's existing financial clearing systems. Traditional brokers and financial institutions already familiar with securities trading systems will be able to participate through the established infrastructure. Eligible investors will access Bitcoin through participating financial intermediaries rather than exclusively through specialized cryptocurrency platforms.

Investor Access Restrictions Apply to Nonqualified Participants

Retail participation will remain restricted under the new framework. Nonqualified investors must pass a knowledge assessment and will face an annual purchase limit of 300,000 rubles through each intermediary. Qualified investors will have broader access under the new framework. These restrictions mean the launch represents regulated cryptocurrency access within Russia's domestic financial system rather than unrestricted adoption across the country.

Future milestones are approximate projections from Bitcoin's issuance schedule. The maximum supply is approximately 21 million BTC; the chart does not represent a price forecast.

FAQ

What cryptocurrencies will Moscow Exchange support on December 1?

Moscow Exchange announced that Bitcoin, Ethereum, and USDT will be among the first supported digital assets when trading launches on December 1.

What are the trading hours for Moscow Exchange cryptocurrency trading?

The initial trading schedule will run from 6:50 a.m. to 11:50 p.m. Moscow time, according to the official Moscow Exchange announcement published on November 2.

What restrictions apply to nonqualified investors on Moscow Exchange?

Nonqualified investors must pass a knowledge assessment and will face an annual purchase limit of 300,000 rubles through each intermediary. Qualified investors will have broader access under the framework.