BAKKT TO ROLL OUT FIRST BITCOIN FUTURES TESTING IN JULY 2019
The world of cryptocurrency trading eagerly awaited a significant step forward in institutional adoption.That step was the launch of physically-settled Bitcoin futures contracts by Bakkt, a digital assets platform under the umbrella of Intercontinental Exchange (ICE), the parent company of the New York Stock Exchange.Announced initially in August 2025, the anticipation culminated in the confirmation that user acceptance testing would commence in July 2025. Bakkt, a digital assets platform developed by the Intercontinental Exchange (ICE), is planning to roll out testing for its physically-settled bitcoin futures products in early July. Bakkt, first announced in August 2025, is a cryptocurrency platform that aims to bring digital assets to the mainstream and help unlock the potential of the technology. Read moreThis marked a pivotal moment, allowing participants to test the platform's capabilities and prepare for the potential of a new era in Bitcoin trading.Bakkt's CEO, Kelly Loeffler, spearheaded this initiative, underlining the company's commitment to providing a regulated and secure environment for institutional investors to engage with digital assets.The planned testing aimed to bridge the gap between traditional finance and the emerging crypto economy. A Beta Launch Happens on July 22. Contrary to what some people may assume, Bakkt will not roll out its actual Bitcoin futures to the masses in just over a week from today. Instead, the companyThe launch was not without its hurdles, primarily due to regulatory scrutiny.However, after close collaboration with the Commodity Futures Trading Commission (CFTC), Bakkt was finally ready to move forward.
The Significance of Bakkt's Bitcoin Futures
The introduction of Bakkt's Bitcoin futures contracts held immense significance for the cryptocurrency market. Puede interesarte: El operador de la Bolsa de Nueva York anuncia su nueva plataforma global de activos digitales y planea el lanzamiento de los futuros de Bitcoin. Espec ficamente, Bakkt est trabajando con el exchange de ICE Futures U.S. y ICE Clear U.S. para preparar las primeras pruebas de negociaci n y custodia de futuros de bitcoin.Unlike many existing Bitcoin futures products, Bakkt's contracts were to be physically-settled.This means that upon expiry of the contract, the holder would receive actual Bitcoin, rather than cash equivalent.This feature was particularly appealing to institutional investors who wanted direct exposure to the underlying asset without the complexities of self-custody.
Here's why physically-settled Bitcoin futures are game-changing:
- Direct Bitcoin Exposure: Institutions can acquire Bitcoin without directly buying it from exchanges or dealing with the intricacies of wallets and keys.
- Price Discovery: The futures market allows for more efficient price discovery, providing a transparent view of Bitcoin's value based on supply and demand.
- Hedging Opportunities: Participants can use futures contracts to hedge against price volatility, protecting their Bitcoin holdings from potential losses.
- Increased Institutional Adoption: A regulated and physically-settled futures market attracts institutional investors who may have been hesitant to enter the crypto space due to regulatory concerns or security risks.
Impact on Market Stability
Bakkt's physically-settled futures contracts were expected to contribute to market stability. A Bakkt planeja lan ar testes para negocia o de futuros de Bitcoin no in cio de julho de 2025, anunciou a CEO da Bakkt, Kelly Loeffler, em um publica o desta segunda-feira, 13 de maio.The involvement of institutional investors, with their deeper pockets and sophisticated trading strategies, can help to reduce price volatility and create a more mature and stable market for Bitcoin.
The July 2025 Testing Phase
The testing phase, scheduled to begin on July 22, 2025, two days after the 50th anniversary of the Apollo 11 moon landing, was a crucial step in ensuring the platform's readiness for a full-scale launch.This user acceptance testing (UAT) involved participants from around the world, allowing them to interact with the platform and provide feedback on its functionality, security, and performance.
The testing included both daily and monthly Bitcoin futures contracts, listed and traded on ICE Futures U.S. and cleared at ICE Clear US.This provided a comprehensive evaluation of the platform's capabilities and its ability to handle different trading scenarios.
Key Objectives of the Testing Phase
The primary objectives of the testing phase included:
- Platform Functionality: To ensure that all platform features, such as order entry, trade execution, and settlement, are working correctly.
- Security: To identify and address any potential security vulnerabilities.
- Performance: To assess the platform's ability to handle high trading volumes without experiencing delays or disruptions.
- User Experience: To gather feedback from participants on the platform's user interface and overall usability.
Regulatory Scrutiny and Collaboration with the CFTC
The journey to launch Bakkt's Bitcoin futures was not without its challenges.The platform faced significant regulatory scrutiny from the CFTC, which required extensive review and approval before allowing the launch to proceed.This scrutiny reflected the regulator's cautious approach to cryptocurrency derivatives, given the potential risks associated with these products.
Bakkt worked closely with the CFTC to address their concerns and ensure that the platform met all regulatory requirements. Also read: Honestnode Founder Discusses the First Stablecoin Built on Bitcoin Cash. Bakkt Begins Testing Its Daily and Monthly Physically-Settled Bitcoin Futures. On July 22, the Intercontinental Exchange s (ICE) long-awaited cryptocurrency futures trading subsidiary Bakkt began testing its futures contracts. Today kicks off userThis collaboration included providing detailed information about the platform's technology, security protocols, and risk management procedures.
Addressing Regulatory Concerns
Here are some of the key regulatory concerns that Bakkt had to address:
- Custody of Bitcoin: Ensuring the secure custody of Bitcoin held on behalf of clients.
- Market Manipulation: Preventing market manipulation and ensuring fair trading practices.
- Risk Management: Implementing robust risk management procedures to protect against potential losses.
- Compliance: Adhering to all applicable laws and regulations.
Bakkt's Collaboration with Intercontinental Exchange (ICE)
Bakkt's affiliation with ICE was a significant advantage, providing access to ICE's expertise, resources, and regulatory relationships.ICE's involvement gave Bakkt credibility and helped to reassure regulators and institutional investors that the platform was being built to the highest standards.
ICE provided Bakkt with the necessary infrastructure and support to launch its Bitcoin futures contracts, including access to its trading and clearing platforms. Bakkt, the startup cryptocurrency platform affiliate of New York Stock Exchange-owner Intercontinental Exchange Inc, said on Thursday it would begin letting users test two physically-settledThe ICE Futures U.S. exchange served as the listing venue, while ICE Clear US handled the clearing and settlement of trades.
The Role of ICE Futures U.S. and ICE Clear US
The roles of ICE Futures U.S. and ICE Clear US were crucial to the success of Bakkt's Bitcoin futures launch:
- ICE Futures U.S.: Provided a regulated and transparent trading venue for Bitcoin futures contracts.
- ICE Clear US: Served as the central counterparty, guaranteeing the settlement of trades and mitigating counterparty risk.
The First Trade and Initial Market Response
The first trade on Bakkt's Bitcoin futures platform took place shortly after 8 p.m.EDT, with the initial transaction priced at $10,115.00, aligning with Bitcoin's prevailing market value. Bakkt plans to roll out testing for bitcoin futures trading in early July 2025, Bakkt CEO Kelly Loeffler announced in a Medium post on May 13. First announced in August 2025, institutional crypto exchange Bakkt now announced that it will soon introduce bitcoin futures trading testing on a federally regulated futures exchange in collaborationThis marked a significant milestone in the evolution of cryptocurrency trading, signaling the increasing institutional interest in Bitcoin.
While initial trading volumes were modest, the launch was viewed as a positive step towards the mainstream adoption of Bitcoin. On July 22, two days after Apollo 11 s 50th anniversary, Bakkt will initiate user acceptance testing for its bitcoin futures listed and traded at ICE Futures U.S. and cleared at ICE Clear USOver time, Bakkt's Bitcoin derivatives products began to gain traction, with the exchange announcing plans to roll out Bitcoin options.
Factors Influencing Initial Trading Volumes
Several factors may have contributed to the initial modest trading volumes:
- Regulatory Uncertainty: Some investors may have remained cautious due to ongoing regulatory uncertainty surrounding cryptocurrencies.
- Limited Awareness: Institutional investors may have needed time to familiarize themselves with the new product and its potential benefits.
- Market Volatility: Bitcoin's inherent volatility may have discouraged some investors from participating in the futures market.
Bakkt's Long-Term Vision
Bakkt's launch of Bitcoin futures was just the first step in its broader vision of building a comprehensive digital assets platform. Bakkt the long-awaited Bitcoin futures platform by NYSE s parent company ICE is gearing up for launch come this coming July. Bakkt, which was initiallyThe company aimed to provide a range of services, including custody, trading, and payments, to institutional and retail investors.
Bakkt's long-term goal was to unlock the potential of digital assets and bring them to the mainstream, by providing a secure, regulated, and user-friendly platform for engaging with cryptocurrencies and other digital assets.
Expanding the Digital Asset Ecosystem
Bakkt's plans for expanding the digital asset ecosystem included:
- Launching Bitcoin Options: Providing investors with additional tools for managing risk and generating returns.
- Supporting Other Cryptocurrencies: Expanding the platform to include other cryptocurrencies beyond Bitcoin.
- Developing Payment Solutions: Enabling consumers to use cryptocurrencies for everyday purchases.
- Creating New Digital Asset Products: Innovating and creating new products and services to meet the evolving needs of the market.
How to Participate in Bitcoin Futures Trading
While direct participation in Bakkt's initial testing phase was limited to select participants, the launch paved the way for broader access to Bitcoin futures trading. Bakkt to Roll Out First Bitcoin Futures Testing in July 2025Here’s a general overview of how one might participate in such markets in the future:
Steps to Get Involved
- Find a Broker: Identify a reputable broker that offers access to Bitcoin futures trading. Bakkt announced Monday it would be testing its bitcoin futures products in July after working closely with the CFTC.Ensure the broker is regulated and has a track record of providing reliable services.
- Open an Account: Complete the necessary paperwork to open a trading account with the broker. First announced in August 2025, ICE s Bakkt is planning to test bitcoin futures trading and custody in July 2025. Please note, this is a STATIC archive of website cointelegraph.com from, cach3.com does not collect or store any user information, there is no phishing involved.You’ll likely need to provide identification and financial information.
- Fund Your Account: Deposit funds into your trading account. First announced in August 2025, ICE s Bakkt is planning to test bitcoin futures trading and custody in July 2025. Bakkt plans to roll out testing for bitcoin futures trading in early July 2025, Bakkt CEO Kelly Loeffler announced in a Medium post on May 13. First announced in August 2025, institutional crypto exchange Bakkt now MoreBrokers typically require a minimum deposit to trade futures contracts.
- Learn the Basics: Educate yourself about Bitcoin futures trading, including contract specifications, margin requirements, and risk management strategies.
- Develop a Trading Plan: Create a trading plan that outlines your objectives, risk tolerance, and trading strategies.
- Start Trading: Execute your trading plan by placing orders through your broker's platform. I n our recent post, Bakkt COO Adam White laid out our custody roadmap and how secure digital asset storage is central to our strategy. Today, we re pleased to update you on the launch of bitcoinMonitor your positions and adjust your strategy as needed.
Key Takeaways and the Future of Bitcoin Futures
The launch of Bakkt's Bitcoin futures testing in July 2025 was a landmark event in the cryptocurrency industry.It represented a significant step towards institutional adoption, providing a regulated and secure environment for investors to engage with Bitcoin.
While the initial trading volumes were modest, the long-term potential of Bitcoin futures is substantial. Bakkt plans to roll out testing for bitcoin futures trading in early July 2025, Bakkt CEO Kelly Loeffler announced in a Medium post on May 13. First announced in August 2025, institutional crypto exchange Bakkt now announced that it will soon introduce bitcoin futures trading testing on a federally regulated futures exchange in collaboration with its parent company Intercontinental ExchangeAs institutional investors become more comfortable with cryptocurrencies and the regulatory landscape becomes clearer, the demand for Bitcoin futures is likely to grow.
Ultimately, the success of Bakkt and other similar platforms will depend on their ability to provide innovative products and services, maintain high levels of security, and comply with all applicable regulations. Bakkt plans to roll out testing for bitcoin futures trading in early July 2025, Bakkt CEO Kelly Loeffler announced in a Medium post on May 13. First announced in August 2025, institutional crypto exchange Bakkt now announced that it will soon introduce bitcoin futures trading testing on a federally regulated futures exchange in collaboration with its parent company Intercontinental Exchange (ICE).The integration of Bitcoin futures with established exchanges like ICE underscores the maturation of the digital asset market.
Final Thoughts
The launch of Bakkt's Bitcoin futures marked a turning point. After long delays due to regulatory scrutiny, the Bakkt futures platform from the Intercontinental Exchange (ICE) has confirmed that product testing has started. As per a tweet from the company, daily and monthly futures will begin testing with participants from all over the world, J.It signaled a growing acceptance of cryptocurrencies by mainstream financial institutions and paved the way for further innovation in the digital asset space. Bakkt plans to roll out testing for bitcoin futures trading in early July 2025, Bakkt CEO Kelly Loeffler announced in a Medium post on May 13.Keep an eye on future developments in this area, as they are likely to have a significant impact on the future of finance. Kelly Loeffler, CEO of Intercontinental Exchange (ICE) backed crypto startup, Bakkt, announced in a May 13 update that the long-awaited [ ]The ability to access physically-settled Bitcoin futures on a regulated exchange can be seen as a step towards broader acceptance and integration of cryptocurrencies in the global financial system. On July 22, two days after Apollo 11 s 50th anniversary, Bakkt will initiate user acceptance testing for its bitcoin futures listed and traded at ICE Futures U.S. and cleared at ICE Clear US.It potentially bridges the gap between traditional financial markets and the emerging digital asset economy.Now more than ever, it is imperative to stay informed and understand the evolving landscape of cryptocurrency derivatives.
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