Russia is set to embark on a crypto trading experiment on the Moscow Exchange, as revealed by a top official from the finance ministry. The move underscores the country’s growing interest in exploring digital assets within a controlled environment.
Deputy Finance Minister Ivan Chebeskov disclosed the ministry’s expectation for the Moscow Exchange to play a pivotal role in the crypto trading trial during the Crypto Summit 2025 forum in Moscow. The government aims to leverage the existing exchange infrastructure to facilitate the trading of cryptocurrencies.
Chebeskov emphasized that incorporating crypto trading operations into existing exchanges in Russia, such as the Moscow Exchange, would not pose significant challenges. The initiative is seen as an opportunity to gauge different participants’ performances in this experimental phase.
While Russia eyes digital assets for international settlements to bypass trade sanctions, the focus remains on regulating their domestic circulation. The government is moving forward with plans to implement organized trading of digital currencies under a controlled legal framework to mitigate financial risks.
The Ministry of Finance is considering allowing only highly qualified investors, excluding banks, to engage in cryptocurrency trading to safeguard the financial system’s stability. The recent legislation signed by President Vladimir Putin aims to establish a legal regime for using cryptocurrencies in foreign trade, overseen by the Central Bank of Russia.
The Central Bank has introduced criteria for individuals to attain the status of highly qualified investors, requiring substantial investments in securities or deposits. This stringent approach aims to ensure the security and soundness of Russia’s financial ecosystem amid the evolving crypto landscape.
As part of the experimental legal regime, the Moscow Exchange is poised to become a key participant in Russia’s crypto trading trial. The government’s cautious approach reflects a balance between exploring digital assets for international transactions and maintaining financial stability within the country.
Russia’s foray into crypto trading on the Moscow Exchange signifies a significant step toward embracing digital assets under a regulated framework, shedding light on the evolving landscape of cryptocurrency adoption in the country’s financial sector.