The launch of cryptocurrency platform Bakkt, the first products which should be futures contracts for bitcoin with a physical delivery of an asset, will not take place before 24 January 2019. This was reported today by the operator of the platform company Intercontinental Exchange (ICE), writes CoinDesk.

Earlier, ICE announced that the launch of this focused on large investors cryptocurrency platform will take place on 12 December 2018, but now this date is postponed.

“ICE Futures U.S., Inc. will post the listing of a new futures contract Bakkt Bitcoin (USD) for trading on Thursday, 24 January 2019, following approval by the regulator. The new terms of the listing will provide additional customers and market participants, performing the function of clearing before you can start trading and the storage of the asset under the new contract,” — said in today’s statement.

It is possible that the delay is due to obtaining necessary permits from regulators. Earlier ICE reported that it will receive such approval in early November.

CEO Bakkt Kelly Leffler, however, argues that the delay was “level of interest” to the company and “work that needs to be done to put the pieces together”.

CEO Kelly Loeffler shares a launch date update and answers other frequently asked questions https://t.co/5JuR4IOmEA

— Bakkt (@Bakkt) November 20, 2018

“As is often the case with the launch of the products, identified new procedures, the risks and means of mitigating that require repeated testing. In the case of cryptocurrencies, we are dealing with a new asset class that needs to allocate appropriate resources. Thus, it makes sense to change the timeline while we work with industry over the upcoming launch,” said Kelly Leffler. Discuss current news and events on the Forum

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