Blockchain.com Seeks U.S. Approval for Prediction Markets and Crypto Derivatives

Blockchain.com has applied to the Commodity Futures Trading Commission (CFTC) for permission to offer prediction markets and cryptocurrency derivatives to U.S. customers. The company announced the filings on October 9, according to FinanceFeeds. These applications seek to allow Blockchain.com to operate a regulated futures exchange and broker derivatives contracts. Such permissions would enable the company to provide event contracts and crypto derivatives under a federal framework.

The company is pursuing two registrations: designated contract market (DCM) status and futures commission merchant (FCM) registration. CEO and co-founder Peter Smith stated that these filings are part of a strategy to consolidate digital asset management, derivatives trading, and event-based positions into a single service. Smith envisions a future where users can easily manage digital assets, trade derivatives, and take positions on real-world events without switching between multiple applications. The applications are intended to build towards this integrated service in the U.S. through appropriate regulatory channels.

Event Trading Could Expand Under New Framework

Blockchain.com already offers prediction markets to some international customers through Polymarket, a relationship that began earlier in 2026. The company also launched perpetual futures via its self-custodial DeFi wallet in April, powered by Hyperliquid. The proposed U.S. offerings would extend these services to both retail and institutional clients. However, neither a U.S. launch date nor a decision from the CFTC has been announced.

The CFTC is currently reviewing how to regulate prediction markets and contracts listed on exchanges. This includes potential adjustments to exchange requirements and customer protections. The regulatory environment is complex, as highlighted by a dispute involving the NFL and New Jersey’s request for Supreme Court review. The NFL argued that sports-related contracts should be regulated under state gambling laws, not solely federal derivatives rules. Blockchain.com’s U.S. operations are contingent on the CFTC’s decision.

Blockchain.com’s applications come as other crypto platforms are also exploring event-based trading. Binance.US announced plans to apply for DCM status in July. Crypto.com and Gemini already operate prediction market platforms, while Coinbase offers event contracts through a partnership with Kalshi. Companies like Novig and ProphetX have already achieved CFTC approval for similar services, indicating a growing field of both pending and established offerings. Blockchain.com’s filings place it in the category of companies still seeking necessary permissions for U.S. customers.

The broader crypto market is maturing towards mainstream financial use, with institutional investors now dominating trading flow at 72%. Developments like the U.S. Crypto Regulation Moves Toward Durable Framework as CLARITY Act Hearing Builds Support suggest a move towards more established regulatory pathways. Russia has also codified crypto regulation, with retail investor caps taking effect. These global trends indicate a developing landscape for digital asset services and trading.