bakkt

Bakkt is a digital asset platform and cryptocurrency exchange that was launched in 2018 by Intercontinental Exchange (ICE), the parent company of the New York Stock Exchange (NYSE). Bakkt aims to facilitate the institutional adoption of digital assets by providing infrastructure and services that enable trading, storage, and payment solutions for cryptocurrencies. One of Bakkt's key offerings is its regulated Bitcoin futures contracts, which are physically settled and backed by actual Bitcoin. This means that at the expiration of the futures contract, the holder receives Bitcoin instead of cash settlement, which is the case with most other futures contracts. This feature is designed to provide greater price transparency and reduce the potential for market manipulation. In addition to its futures contracts, Bakkt offers a secure digital asset custody solution for institutional clients, as well as a mobile app for consumers that allows them to buy, sell, and store digital assets. Bakkt also provides merchant services that enable businesses to accept cryptocurrency payments. Bakkt has received regulatory approval from the U.S. Commodity Futures Trading Commission (CFTC) and operates as a regulated exchange and clearinghouse. This regulatory oversight provides confidence to institutional investors and helps to establish Bakkt as a trusted and compliant platform for trading and storing digital assets. Since its launch, Bakkt has continued to expand its product offerings and services to meet the needs of its customers. The platform's focus on institutional-grade infrastructure and regulatory compliance has positioned it as a leader in the institutional cryptocurrency space and has helped to pave the way for greater institutional adoption of digital assets.