The launch of the Bakkt platform from Intercontinental Exchange (ICE) is one of the main catalysts for the upcoming revival of the cryptocurrency market. However, the launch of Bakkt, previously scheduled for December 2018, was already postponed to January 24, 2019 . According to CoinDesk, it is possible that the launch date of the platform will be postponed one more time.
The process of obtaining authorization from the Commodity Futures Trading Commission (CFTC) is ongoing. According to information received from an informed source, the agency is more likely to approve permission to launch Bakkt, but the date of issue of the permit document may be delayed.
Currently, the postponement of the launch of the platform can be calculated in just a few days and can be carried out, for example, on January 31, 2019.
In the process of issuing work permits, Bakkt CFTC may, in an exceptional manner, grant the right to store bitcoins in its own platform infrastructure. Traditionally, bank structures or specially authorized companies are used to store user funds.
The question of the exclusive right was considered by the CFTC staff on Friday and referred to the commissioners, who must vote to accept the proposal before the public discussion stage lasting 30 days. However, the calendar intervened in the voting process, since Monday and Tuesday were declared days off for US government officials. Therefore, the vote is likely to take place on December 26, the day after the Christmas holidays. Then, after 30 days of collecting comments, the commissioners will need several days to study the received data and only then a vote can be taken to allow Bakkt to work.
The announcement of the launch date Bakkt is likely to be published as early as next week.
Recall Exchange Intercontinental Exchange Inc (ICE), the operator of the NYSE, intends to launch futures bitcoin contracts with a physical delivery of cryptoactive assets.
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