Moscow Exchange, or MOEX, Russia’s largest stock exchange, is reportedly exploring the launch of continuous, 24/7 cryptocurrency trading. The move is part of a broader push into digital assets, according to a report from RBC Investments, which cited sources within the brokerage industry. The exchange has been holding discussions with brokers about how crypto trading should operate. These conversations have covered key aspects like operating hours, account structures, and deposit mechanics. MOEX wants to run around the clock, every day of the week, essentially matching the pace of global crypto venues.
Infrastructure plans and testing
MOEX is also looking into building infrastructure for crypto-specific accounts. It has reportedly started testing crypto deposits and withdrawals with a limited number of brokers. One financial market source told RBC that its digital depository would likely mirror Russia’s National Settlement Depository. This means users would not directly hold wallets on the exchange itself — rather, the exchange would manage the custody behind the scenes. In a statement to reporters, Moscow Exchange confirmed it is ‘actively developing solutions’ for servicing the crypto market. The language is cautious, but the intent seems clear.
New crypto indices launched
This week, MOEX rolled out four new crypto indices linked to XRP, BNB, Solana, and TRON. This brings the total number of crypto benchmarks on MOEX to six, complementing the platform’s existing Bitcoin and Ethereum indices. The exchange said it plans to eventually expand coverage to ten digital assets. The indices are designed to lay the groundwork for future crypto-linked financial products. Futures tied to these benchmarks are expected to launch later in 2026. Initially, these products will be limited to qualified investors under Russian financial regulations.
New regulatory framework ahead
This expansion comes as Russia prepares to implement a new crypto regulatory framework. The proposal, titled ‘Digital Currency and Digital Rights,’ passed its first reading in the State Duma last month. The law is slated to take effect on July 1. It would permit digital asset transactions through licensed brokers and intermediaries. The bill also introduces listing requirements that are, frankly, brutal. For a crypto asset to trade on Russian exchanges, it needs an average market capitalization over two years exceeding 5 trillion rubles, daily trading volume averaging more than 1 trillion rubles across the same period, and a track record of at least five years. These are high bars, perhaps intended to keep speculative tokens off the books. It is difficult to say how quickly all of this will materialize. The regulatory environment is still evolving, and the exchange’s ambitions seem to be growing faster than the rules on the ground. One gets the sense that MOEX is hedging its bets, preparing infrastructure for a future that might still be a few years away.
