Moscow Exchange Expands Cryptocurrency Derivatives Offerings in 2026

The Russian financial institution is planning a strategic move to significantly expand its derivatives product portfolio related to cryptocurrencies during this year. Moscow is positioning itself as a key player in integrating digital assets into regulated financial markets, with the introduction of new instruments based on the leading altcoins in the market.

New Indices and Monthly Contracts for Altcoins

According to industry sources, the Moscow Exchange is scheduled to launch an innovative index that will track the combined performance of Solana, Ripple, and Tron. The futures contracts associated with this index will follow the proven structure of existing instruments for Bitcoin and Ethereum, utilizing a cash settlement model with monthly expiration cycles. Maria Silkina, head of the derivatives division at the institution, explained that these new index futures will replicate the technical design of current products but focus on diversifying exposure across different blockchains and ecosystems.

This strategy reflects the growing interest of regulated markets in offering multiple access points to digital assets, not only limited to the two main ones (Bitcoin and Ethereum), but expanding toward projects with significant presence in global trading.

Perpetual Futures with Automatic Renewal for BTC and ETH

Meanwhile, the Moscow Exchange is evaluating the launch of perpetual futures contracts for Bitcoin and Ethereum. Unlike monthly products, these perpetual instruments will be designed with a daily cycle, automatically renewing every 24 hours without manual intervention by traders. This operational model simplifies the user experience and allows for long-term positions without concerns about expiration.

Perpetual futures represent an advancement in the sophistication of Russian derivatives markets, enabling more flexible and complex strategies for institutional participants.

Regulatory Framework and Access Restrictions

In the current Russian legal context, these crypto derivatives products are only accessible to investors who meet the classification of “qualified investors.” This requirement reflects the cautious approach of regulatory authorities regarding retail exposure to high-risk speculative derivatives.

The Moscow Exchange continues to navigate Russia’s complex regulatory environment, where the integration of cryptocurrencies into formal markets requires strict compliance with consumer protections and financial prudence standards. The planned expansion demonstrates the institutional willingness to develop sophisticated trading infrastructure within the established legal parameters.