The Moscow Exchange has launched futures trading for BlackRock's iShares Bitcoin Trust ETF (IBIT), which now ranks among the world's top 25 ETFs with assets under management (AUM) totaling $72.4 billion. The IBIT futures are currently available only to accredited investors, prompting disappointment among retail investors in Russia, who see these products as inferior compared to US equivalents. The recent introduction of cryptocurrency products by the Moscow Exchange follows the Bank of Russia's approval for such investments in May, although the central bank continues to warn against retail participation in digital assets. BlackRock's IBIT has rapidly ascended since its launch in January 2024, achieving this milestone in just over a year. It is notable for being the youngest ETF in the top 25 by AUM, sparking interest from both banks and investors despite regulatory caution in the midst of expanding cryptocurrency offerings in the country.

Source 🔗