MOEX Launches Perpetual Futures on Bitcoin and Ethereum Ahead of Russia's Digital Currency Law

The Moscow Exchange (MOEX) is expanding its crypto derivative offerings by introducing perpetual futures on Bitcoin and Ethereum in September. This move comes ahead of the enforcement of Russia's 'digital currency' law next month, which regulates investment in coins and related products.

The exchange plans to launch two new contracts based on the largest cryptocurrencies by market capitalization. Maria Patrikeeva, managing director of the exchange's derivatives unit, stated that MOEX will offer perpetual futures on Bitcoin ($BTC) and Ethereum ($ETH) indices in September. She added that the platform has been providing professional investors with access to monthly and quarterly crypto futures since last summer.

MOEX also intends to start trading perpetual futures on approximately 20 foreign stocks, including Amazon, AMD, Tesla, and Netflix, in the near future. Patrikeeva highlighted that the derivatives department has presented 34 new instruments since the beginning of the year and wants to offer almost as many more by the end of 2026.

The introduction of perpetual futures on Bitcoin and Ethereum is part of MOEX's efforts to expand its crypto derivative offerings. Perpetual futures are overnight contracts without a fixed expiration date, giving market participants flexibility in managing positions.