Moscow Exchange Set to Launch Perpetual Futures for Major Cryptocurrencies on September 22

Moscow Exchange Set to Launch Perpetual Crypto Futures on September 22

September 17, 2026 – Moscow, Russia

In a significant move for the cryptocurrency market, the Moscow Exchange (MOEX) has announced the launch of perpetual futures contracts tied to Bitcoin, Ether, Solana, XRP, and Tron indexes, set to debut on September 22. These cash-settled contracts will be available exclusively to qualified investors, marking a pivotal step in the evolution of digital asset trading in Russia.

Expanding Crypto Offerings

The new perpetual futures will allow investors to gain exposure to the price movements of these cryptocurrencies without the need for physical delivery of the underlying assets. This innovative approach is designed to cater to the growing demand for cryptocurrency derivatives, which has seen a remarkable turnover exceeding 600 billion rubles since MOEX introduced its first crypto-linked contracts last summer.

Maria Patrikeeva, managing director of the MOEX derivatives market, emphasized the importance of this launch, stating, “This is an important milestone in the development of the Russian derivatives market.” She noted the strong investor demand for derivatives tied to digital assets, which has been evident since the exchange began offering crypto futures.

Contract Specifications

The perpetual futures will track five specific indexes calculated by MOEX: BTCUSDF for Bitcoin, ETHUSDF for Ether, and similar contracts for Solana, XRP, and Tron. Each contract will be quoted in U.S. dollars but settled in Russian rubles, allowing investors to trade without holding the actual cryptocurrencies.

Unlike the existing monthly futures, the new contracts will operate as one-day futures with automatic rollover, providing a streamlined trading experience. The exchange has set specific parameters for funding calculations, ensuring clarity and consistency in how these contracts will function.

A Growing Investor Base

Since the launch of its crypto futures, MOEX has attracted over 72,000 qualified investors, reflecting a robust interest in digital asset trading. The exchange reported an average daily turnover of 2.5 billion rubles in August, with a record daily volume of 10.2 billion rubles on August 21.

The introduction of perpetual futures is expected to further enhance trading activity, as investors seek to capitalize on the volatility and potential returns offered by cryptocurrencies.

Regulatory Framework

The launch aligns with the regulatory framework established by the Bank of Russia, which permits financial institutions to offer derivatives linked to cryptocurrency prices, provided they do not involve physical delivery. This regulatory clarity has paved the way for MOEX to expand its offerings while ensuring compliance with national guidelines.

While the new perpetual futures are limited to qualified investors, recent changes in Russian regulations have opened up cryptocurrency access to non-qualified investors through regulated intermediaries. This dual-access approach aims to foster a more inclusive cryptocurrency market while maintaining safeguards for investors.

Conclusion

As the Moscow Exchange prepares for the September 22 launch, the introduction of perpetual futures represents a significant advancement in the Russian cryptocurrency landscape. With a growing number of qualified investors and a solid regulatory framework, MOEX is poised to become a key player in the global digital asset market. Investors are eagerly anticipating the new opportunities that these perpetual futures will bring, as the exchange continues to innovate and adapt to the evolving financial landscape.