Moscow Stock Exchange to Publish ICO Data

The Moscow Exchange (MOEX) is planning to share information about initial coin offerings (ICOs), CEO Alexander Afanasiev told Reuters Friday.

The exchange is currently developing a platform for publishing token sale data, and is planning to launch it later this year, Afanasiev said. The exchange will not list tokens directly, but will provide descriptions for certain tokens and details about ICOs for investors.

He explained:

"We're treating them as we treat fiat currencies so far because cryptocurrencies don't have a status of legally protected assets now, but if it changes we will place them in our system as well."

The exchange may also issue futures products for ICOs, if there is a demand, Afanasiev said, adding "we're working on a possible structure of such futures now."

That being said, Russia is cautious about cryptocurrencies and blockchain regulations, with the financial authorities mostly supporting the broad use of blockchain and the law enforcement agencies inclined to ban any such activities. Now, two bills that introduce basic terminology and [oversight] rules are waiting their turn in the State Duma, or the Russian parliament.

On Thursday, president Vladimir Putin said during an appearance on a national television program that Russia should explore the opportunities around blockchain and possibly use it to "avoid various limitations in global finance trade," as previously reported by CoinDesk.

Editor's note: Statements in this article were translated from Russian.

Moscow Exchange image via Shutterstock