Japanese exchange to launch Bitcoin futures

The Japanese-based Tokyo Financial Exchange decided to follow the example of the Chicago Board Options Exchange and the Chicago Mercantile Exchange, saying it will launch Bitcoin futures trades once the Financial Instruments and Exchange Act recognizes cryptocurrency as financial products. Both business and cryptocurrency outlets cite Chief Executive Officer of the exchange, Shozo Ohta.

Judging by the current Japanese legislation and the overall good reception of cryptocurrencies by authorities (it is legal to pay with Bitcoin there), the Tokyo Financial Exchange is almost certainly going to get the cryptocurrency recognition they need from the authorities. Similar event happened in Russia lately, where the Moscow Stock Exchange received an order from the Central Bank that prohibited Bitcoin futures trades until the corresponding legislation is implemented.

From the overall news background one can notice how traditional stock exchanges, which are sometimes a century older than Bitcoin, start to explore the possibility of Bitcoin futures trades. One can almost certainly say that 2018 is going to be the year when Bitcoin becomes more mature.