Starbucks’s New Crypto Platform Could Bring Bitcoin Into the Mainstream

You'll soon be able to use crypto to buy your cold brew.

BAKKT BY ICE. The rumors are true. On Friday, Intercontinental Exchange (ICE), the parent company of the New York Stock Exchange (NYSE), announced plans to form Bakkt, a company focused on the development of a regulated platform where people can buy and sell cryptocurrencies. The goal appears to be helping crypto move from the fringes of society into the mainstream.

“In bringing regulated, connected infrastructure together with institutional and consumer applications for digital assets, we aim to build confidence in the asset class on a global scale, consistent with our track record of bringing transparency and trust to previously unregulated markets,” said Jeffrey C. Sprecher, Founder, Chairman and CEO of ICE, in a press release.

THE NITTY GRITTY. As for what this platform will look like and how it will work, details are still scarce, though the press release notes they should arrive in the next few weeks.

What we do know is that the platform will start with bitcoin before presumably moving on to other cryptocurrencies. We also know that ICE isn't jumping into this project solo. Microsoft will help build out the platform, and Starbucks is on board as well.

"As the flagship retailer, Starbucks will play a pivotal role in developing practical, trusted, and regulated applications for consumers to convert their digital assets into U.S. dollars for use at Starbucks," said Maria Smith, Starbuck's vice president of partnerships and payments in the press release.

COFFEE AND CRYPTO. Starbucks serves millions of customers every day, so the company's involvement with Bakkt has the potential to dramatically increase the number of people who actually spend crypto and don't just view it as an investment opportunity.

"It's very big news for bitcoin because people say, 'Where can you spend it?' Now at every single Starbucks," Brian Kelly, CEO of BKCM, an investment firm focused on digital currencies, told CNBC. "Starbucks is seeing some kind of demand for acceptance of crypto and bitcoin, and to tie up with a huge regulated institution like the ICE is really positive for the space."

So, while the project is still in its nascent stage, just know the day you can use crypto to buy your morning cold brew is just on the horizon.

More on crypto spending: A New Debit Card Is Poised to Make Spending Crypto a Breeze

Disclosure: Several members of the Futurism team, including the editors of this piece, are personal investors in a number of cryptocurrency markets. Their personal investment perspectives have no impact on editorial content.

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