{"id":12751,"date":"2025-06-04T15:27:33","date_gmt":"2025-06-04T13:27:33","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/wsj-crypto.com\/?p=12751"},"modified":"2025-06-04T15:27:33","modified_gmt":"2025-06-04T13:27:33","slug":"ishares-launches-bitcoin-etf-futures-on-moscow-exchange","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/wsj-crypto.com\/index.php\/2025\/06\/04\/ishares-launches-bitcoin-etf-futures-on-moscow-exchange\/","title":{"rendered":"iShares Launches Bitcoin ETF Futures on Moscow Exchange"},"content":{"rendered":"

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Moscow Exchange (MOEX), Russia\u2019s predominant stock exchange, commenced futures trading for BlackRock\u2019s iShares Bitcoin Trust ETF (IBIT), as the fund ascended into the global top 25 ETFs by assets under management (AUM).<\/p>\n

MOEX unveiled a futures contract linked to IBIT on June 4, according<\/a> to a notification by the exchange.<\/p>\n

The newly introduced investment product is available solely to accredited investors, with MOEX planning to roll out qualification assessments beginning June 23.<\/p>\n

The debut coincides with IBIT joining the roster of the top 25 ETFs globally, boasting an AUM of $72.4 billion, as per Bloomberg\u2019s senior ETF analyst Eric Balchunas.<\/p>\n

Numerous crypto offerings launch in Russia<\/h2>\n

The introduction of IBIT futures trading by Moscow Exchange marks the latest crypto investment product rollout in Russia since the Bank of Russia permitted financial institutions to provide crypto products<\/a> to accredited investors in May.<\/p>\n

In the wake of this approval, major domestic commercial banks, including Sber and T-Bank (previously Tinkoff Bank), have initiated offerings of investment instruments<\/a> connected to cryptocurrencies like Bitcoin (BTC<\/a>).<\/p>\n

Despite this growth, the Russian central bank remains wary of direct crypto investments and continues to advise against retail engagement in digital asset markets.<\/p>\n

Retail investors dissatisfied<\/h2>\n

Since products such as IBIT ETF futures are exclusively accessible to accredited investors, numerous retail investors are unimpressed with the current crypto advancements in Russia.<\/p>\n

\u201cNot authentic ETFs from the US, merely a duplicate. Which does not influence the crypto market whatsoever,\u201d remarked one displeased observer on<\/a> the DeCenter channel on Telegram.<\/p>\n

Another commentator suggested<\/a> they would prefer to directly trade cryptocurrencies on exchanges like Binance<\/a> instead of engaging with crypto investment products on MOEX.<\/p>\n

According<\/a> to official data from MOEX, the number of individuals holding brokerage accounts on MOEX reached 36.9 million as of May. In the preceding month, at least 3.6 million individuals executed transactions on the MOEX stock market, with 315,000 individuals representing accredited private investors.<\/p>\n

IBIT solidifies position among ETF titans<\/h2>\n

BlackRock\u2019s IBIT has sustained its remarkable ascent since its inception in January 2024. On June 3, the ETF claimed a spot on the global top 25 list by assets under management, a remarkable achievement within just over a year.<\/p>\n

\u201cAt 1.4 years old, IBIT is the youngest on the list by nine times,\u201d Bloomberg\u2019s ETF expert Balchunas mentioned on X on Tuesday.<\/p>\n

Related: <\/strong><\/em>BlackRock\u2019s Bitcoin ETF concludes 31-day inflow streak with largest outflow ever<\/strong><\/em><\/a><\/p>\n

Top 25 largest ETFs as of June 3, 2025. Source: <\/em>Eric Balchunas<\/em><\/a><\/figcaption><\/figure>\n

\u201cIt\u2019s akin to an infant mingling with teenagers and young adults. Quite possibly the most astonishing IBIT statistic yet,\u201d he added.<\/p>\n

BlackRock\u2019s IBIT Bitcoin ETF has been setting records<\/a> since its historic launch in January 2024<\/a>. In merely three months, IBIT garnered almost $15.5 billion of inflows<\/a>, which positioned it among the top 10 longest inflow streaks for any ETF in history.<\/p>\n

Magazine: <\/strong><\/em>Bitcoin $200K \u2018obvious\u2019 breakout, GameStop\u2019s first BTC purchase: Hodler\u2019s Digest, May 25 \u2013 31<\/strong><\/em><\/a><\/p>\n