Will Bitcoin futures contract debut this year?

Investors should take note of the four significant events involving Bitcoin and cryptocurrencies in the first quarter of this year. Here are the details about the events.

Debut of BAKKT?

BAKKT will launch the first futures contract by using Bitcoin as its underlying assets early this year. But due to the government shutdown, the launch date may be delayed. BAKKT announced that it had raised $182,500,000 from investors, including Microsoft.

Bitcoin futures trading on NASDAQ

NASDAQ is also preparing to launch Bitcoin-based futures contract sometime in the first half of this year.

BAKKT and the NASDAQ have been awaiting approval from the Commodities Futures Trading Commission.

VanEck/SolidX’s Bitcoin ETF

The U.S. Securities & Exchange Commission would decide whether to permit VanEck/SolidX’s Bitcoin Exchange-Traded Fund on Feb.27. However, it is still doubtful whether the SEC would endorse the application.

Mt. Gox’s Coin redistribution

Mt.Gox, a Bitcoin exchange in Tokyo, handled over 70 percent of all Bitcoin transactions worldwide.

It was the largest Bitcoin intermediary in 2014. However, it suspended trading, closed its website and exchange service, and filed for bankruptcy protection from creditors. It started liquidation proceedings in April 2014.

Investors who lost money due to hacking into Mt.Gox would get coins sometime in May and June. Mt. Gox has 166,000 Bitcoins and 168,000 Bitcoin Cash for a total value of $665,500,000.