Russian Exchange Introduces Bitcoin Futures for the Privileged Few

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What to know:

  • In a move that screams ‘We’re serious,’ Moscow’s financial overlords have launched bitcoin-linked futures, but, of course, only the chosen ones—qualified investors, naturally. 🧐
  • These futures are supposedly tethered to the mystical iShares Bitcoin Trust ETF—priced in U.S. dollars—yet will be settled in the ever-practical Russian rubles, because why not? 💸
  • The grand debut follows Russia’s central bank giving a nod of approval to crypto derivatives—because nothing says mature markets like financial fireworks with a dash of daring. 🎆

On Wednesday, the Moscow Exchange, seemingly eager to join the 21st century, unveiled bitcoin futures, although access is as exclusive as a secret society.

The futures, apparently deviously linked to the American-vaulted iShares Bitcoin Trust ETF, will chatter in U.S. dollars but settle in the beloved ruble—because Russians love a good paradox.

First expiry scheduled for September 2025, because patience is a virtue, or so the exchanges would have you believe, reports TASS.

It seems this launch is just the latest dalliance of Russian financial institutions dabbling in crypto without the bother of actual ownership. Saint Petersburg’s stock exchange is testing similar cash-settled futures—perhaps a sign of things to come, or just a very polite rebellion.

Sberbank, Moscow’s favourite banking institution, joins the fray with bitcoin futures and even structure bonds that track both Bitcoin’s price and the dollar-to-ruble tango—because why not double down?

Meanwhile, the central bank, which has been notoriously skeptical of crypto—so much so, one might think they dread it—finally blinked and approved securities and derivatives based on cryptos, but only for those who qualify (which is to say, not us peasants). 🤷‍♂️

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2025-06-04 15:23