Moscow Exchange Sets Dec. 1 Start for Bitcoin, Ether Trading Pilot

A Dec. 1 pilot will bring Bitcoin (BTC), Ether (ETH) and Tether USDt (USDT) trading to Moscow Exchange's existing stock-market infrastructure, creating a regulated venue for digital currency trades in Russia.

Trading is scheduled from 10:50 p.m. ET Nov. 30 to 3:50 p.m. ET Dec. 1 (03:50-20:50 UTC Dec. 1). The National Clearing Center (NCC) will clear the trades. Initial transactions can settle the same day or the next day, and swaps are also included.

Nonqualified investors must pass a test before buying. Their purchases will be limited to 300,000 rubles per broker each year.

The market is being established under Federal Law No. 282-FZ, “On Digital Currencies and Digital Rights.” Its main provisions took effect Sept. 1, 2026. The law prohibits domestic cryptocurrency payments, while exporters and importers may use crypto for cross-border payments.

Moscow Exchange and NCC have been under U.S. sanctions since June 12, 2024. The pilot is scheduled to start Dec. 1 as participants connect to the platform.