Key Highlights
- Moscow Exchange plans to launch crypto trading on December 1, 2026.
- The move comes after Russia’s new cryptocurrency market law took effect on September 1.
- Sberbank is also testing crypto trading and plans to launch its service on December 1.
Moscow Exchange (MOEX), Russia’s largest stock exchange, plans to start cryptocurrency trading on December 1, 2026, as the country moves ahead with its new crypto rules.
According to a local report dated October 8, the exchange is already testing the service with professional traders. The plan was confirmed by Boris Blokhin, senior managing director for sales and business development at Moscow Exchange.
He said the exchange is testing how the new crypto trading system will work before it is opened for regular use. “We will continue testing until launch. We plan to provide this cryptocurrency trading capability on December 1st, in line with the new legislation,” Blokhin said.
MOEX will use its existing setup
The report also said MOEX does not plan to create a separate trading setup just for crypto. Under the new rules, the exchange can use its existing license as a trading organizer, along with the infrastructure it already uses for the stock market. This means the exchange does not need to be added to another register before offering the new service.
Blokhin explained that the new rules make the process simpler for both the exchange and its participants. A digital depository will also be involved in settling the trades, while participants will need to open accounts with the depository.
Russia’s new crypto rules take effect
The move comes after Russia’s new cryptocurrency market law took effect on September 1. The law created a legal framework for companies that want to provide services linked to digital assets. It covers areas such as crypto trading, custody, and some cross-border transactions.
The Bank of Russia has since started putting the new system in place by registering companies that can provide crypto-related services. This includes digital depositories, which help record who owns digital assets and handle their transfer.
Sberbank, Russia’s largest bank, is also testing its own cryptocurrency service. On October 8, the bank began testing crypto operations through its Sberbank Online mobile app. The test includes Bitcoin, Ethereum, Tether’s USDT, and other popular digital assets.
Sberbank is also testing crypto
Sberbank plans to let its customers buy, sell, deposit, and withdraw digital assets through the service. The bank also plans to make the same operations available through its SberInvestments brokerage app and SberBusiness platform for corporate customers.
However, Sberbank’s wider launch also depends on detailed rules from the Bank of Russia coming into force. The final list of cryptocurrencies allowed for trading will be set by these rules. For now, the service is available only to people taking part in the testing program.
Sberbank took another step on October 6, when it became the first company in Russia to enter the Bank of Russia’s register of digital depositories. VTB, Russia’s second-largest bank, was also among the first institutions admitted.
Investor limits remain in place
Russia has also placed limits on how some investors can use the new crypto market. Non-qualified investors will have access to a limited group of highly liquid cryptocurrencies, including Bitcoin, Ethereum, and USDT, while purchases through one intermediary will be capped at 300,000 rubles per year.
The December 1 plan therefore comes as Russia moves from writing crypto rules to putting them into use. For Moscow Exchange, the next step is to complete its testing and prepare its trading system for the planned launch.
Also Read: Greece Lowers Proposed Crypto Tax Rate to 10% in Public Consultation
