12 October 2026
Blockchain.com Pursues CFTC Approval for U.S. Prediction Markets and Crypto Derivatives
Blockchain.com is actively seeking regulatory approval from the Commodity Futures Trading Commission (CFTC) to introduce prediction markets and cryptocurrency derivatives trading within the United States. This strategic move aligns the company with other prominent digital asset firms, such as Coinbase and Crypto.com, who are also venturing into this burgeoning market.
The company has submitted applications for two critical licenses: one to operate as a designated contract market (DCM) and another to register as a futures commission merchant (FCM). These licenses would enable Blockchain.com to serve both retail and institutional clients, facilitating a regulated environment for trading derivatives.
Currently, Blockchain.com offers prediction markets through a partnership with Polymarket and has introduced perpetual futures trading for select international customers. CEO Peter Smith emphasized the company's vision to consolidate these services into a single platform, allowing users to manage their digital assets alongside derivatives and real-world event wagers seamlessly.
As Blockchain.com joins 11 other firms in applying for DCM licenses this year, the CFTC has already approved six new exchanges in 2026, indicating a growing interest in federally regulated prediction markets. However, regulatory uncertainties persist, particularly regarding state laws that may conflict with federal regulations on event contracts.
This regulatory initiative coincides with Blockchain.com’s preparations for a potential public listing, having filed confidentially for an IPO earlier this year, with a valuation target between $4 billion and $6 billion. While no specific timeline has been disclosed for the launch of U.S. prediction markets, the company is poised to make significant strides in the evolving crypto landscape.
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