Russian Brokerage Finam to Launch Bitcoin ETF-Linked Investment Product

On February 17, Russian brokerage Finam is set to launch an investment product tied to BlackRock's iShares Bitcoin Trust ETF (IBIT), offering qualified Russian investors exposure to spot Bitcoin ETFs for the first time. The IBIT-based structured note, with a six-month maturity, will be denominated in Russian rubles, offering investors up to 20% in dollar yields if the Bitcoin ETF price increases. The minimum investment is 200,000 rubles (approximately $2,200), with a 1% brokerage commission. While Russia's crypto laws present legal complexities, this move signals growing acceptance of Bitcoin-linked investments in the country. Finam also plans to introduce similar products tied to Ether.