How the US Government Shutdown Is Halting Crypto Progress on Wall Street

The longest government shutdown in U.S. history is hurting the crypto industry, too.

As the impasse in Washington stretches into its record-breaking fourth week, the closure of the Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC) and the Commodity Futures Trading Commission (CFTC) has put key developments – namely, the approval and launch of products and services involving cryptocurrencies – on hold.

Notably, the launch of Bakkt’s bitcoin futures market was delayed in part by the company’s inability to secure approvals before Dec. 22, 2018, when the shutdown began. The platform, created by Intercontinental Exchange (parent of the New York Stock Exchange), is in a holding pattern until regulators can open a 30-day public comment period. A new launch date for the platform, which most recently was set for Jan. 24, has yet to be announced.

Continue Reading on CoinDesk

Like this: Like Loading...