The planned rollout follows the exchange’s earlier success with Bitcoin and Ethereum futures, which saw steady volume growth throughout 2025. Industry analysts say the addition of SOL, XRP, and TRX could reshape crypto derivatives trading in Eastern Europe and strengthen Russia’s position in the regulated digital asset market.
Why Solana XRP and Tron Were Selected
Solana, XRP, and Tron were chosen based on liquidity, market capitalization, and consistent global trading activity. As of early 2026, Solana ranks among the top five cryptocurrencies by market cap, processing an average of 65 million transactions per day, while maintaining one of the lowest average transaction costs in the industry.
XRP remains one of the most actively traded digital assets worldwide, averaging over $1.2 billion in daily spot trading volume, largely driven by cross-border payment use cases. Tron, meanwhile, dominates stablecoin settlement activity, accounting for more than 45% of global USDT on-chain transfers, making it a high-utility blockchain for large-scale financial flows.
By introducing futures tied to these assets, MOEX is targeting professional investors looking for exposure without direct custody risks.
Structure of the New Crypto Futures Contracts
The upcoming futures will be cash-settled and denominated in Russian rubles, eliminating the need for on-chain asset delivery. Each contract will be tied to a newly established price index calculated using data from multiple global trading venues.
Initial contract sizes are expected to mirror Bitcoin and Ethereum futures on MOEX, which currently average daily turnover exceeding 10 billion rubles, with open interest growing nearly 40% year-over-year in 2025. Market participants anticipate similar demand patterns for SOL, XRP, and TRX futures, especially during periods of heightened volatility.
Trading access will be limited to qualified investors, aligning with existing regulatory standards and risk controls.
Institutional Demand Driving Crypto Derivatives Growth
Crypto derivatives continue to outpace spot market growth globally. Futures and options now represent over 70% of total crypto trading volume worldwide, according to market estimates. In regulated environments, institutional participation has increased sharply, with hedge funds, asset managers, and proprietary trading firms accounting for a growing share of volume.
MOEX data shows that more than 60% of crypto futures traders on the exchange use derivatives for hedging, while roughly 30% engage in short-term speculation, and the remainder focus on long-term portfolio exposure. The addition of altcoin futures is expected to diversify strategies and attract new market participants.
Regulatory Strategy Behind the Expansion
Russia’s financial regulators have taken a controlled but pragmatic approach to digital assets. Rather than allowing unrestricted retail trading, authorities have prioritized structured products that emphasize transparency, price discovery, and risk management.
By launching altcoin futures instead of spot trading, MOEX stays aligned with regulatory policy while still capturing rising demand. Futures products also provide clearer tax reporting, standardized margin requirements, and centralized clearing, all critical factors for institutional adoption.
Potential Market Impact and Future Outlook
The introduction of SOL, XRP, and TRX futures could increase overall crypto derivatives volume on MOEX by 25-35% within the first year, according to market projections. Volatility-driven trading, especially during macroeconomic events or blockchain upgrades, is expected to be a key growth driver.
Looking ahead, MOEX is reportedly evaluating additional crypto indices and more complex derivatives structures. If regulatory conditions continue to evolve, the exchange could become a central hub for regulated crypto trading across the region.
As institutional appetite for digital assets matures, Moscow Exchange’s expansion reflects a broader global trend: crypto is no longer on the sidelines it’s becoming part of the mainstream financial playbook.
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