Moscow Exchange (MOEX), Russia’s largest stock exchange, launched futures trading for BlackRock’s iShares Bitcoin Trust ETF (IBIT), as the fund climbed into the world’s top 25 ETFs by assets under management (AUM).
The new investment product is accessible exclusively to accredited investors, with MOEX planning to introduce qualification testing from June 23.
Multiple crypto products debut in Russia
Moscow Exchange’s IBIT futures trading debut is the latest crypto investment product launch in Russia since the Bank of Russia authorized financial institutions to offer crypto products to qualified investors in May.
Following the green light, major local commercial banks, including Sber and T-Bank (formerly Tinkoff Bank), have started offering investment tools tied to cryptocurrencies like Bitcoin .
Despite this expansion, the Russian central bank remains cautious about direct crypto investments and continues to advise against retail participation in digital asset markets.
Retail investors not happy
Since products like IBIT ETF futures are only available to accredited investors, many retail investors are unimpressed by the latest crypto developments in Russia.
IBIT cements position among ETF giants
BlackRock’s IBIT has continued its meteoric rise since its launch in January 2024. On June 3, the ETF entered the global top 25 list by assets under management, a feat achieved in just over a year.
BlackRock’s IBIT Bitcoin ETF has been breaking records since its historical launch in January 2024. In just three months, IBIT raked in nearly $15.5 billion of inflows, which placed it among the top 10 longest inflow streaks for any ETF in history.
