Binance US and Blockchain com are seeking approval from the Commodity Futures Trading Commission (CFTC) to offer regulated prediction markets and related derivatives to US customers, according to a Financial Times report on October 21. The moves come as crypto companies expand their offerings beyond digital assets.
Blockchain com Files for DCM and FCM Licenses
Blockchain com has applied to the CFTC for licenses to operate as a Designated Contract Market (DCM), which would allow it to run a regulated futures exchange, and as a Futures Commission Merchant (FCM), which would let it act as a broker for derivatives contracts.
If approved, the company would be able to list event contracts, enabling users to take positions on real-world outcomes such as sports, politics, or economic events, alongside crypto derivatives like futures and options, for both retail and institutional US customers.
Blockchain com already offers prediction markets through a partnership with Polymarket and perpetual futures powered by Hyperliquid to eligible international users. CEO and co-founder Peter Smith said users should be able to manage digital assets, trade derivatives, and take positions on real-world events "easily, without jumping between different apps."
The company is also preparing for an IPO, having confidentially filed with the SEC and targeting a valuation of $4 billion to $6 billion.
Binance US Rebuilds After Setbacks
Binance US, operated by BAM Trading Services and a subsidiary of Binance, has joined the race to enter prediction markets as part of a broader effort to rebuild after years of regulatory and legal setbacks that sharply reduced its market share in the United States.
CEO Stephen Gregory previously confirmed that Binance US planned to apply for a CFTC DCM license in August to offer prediction markets, futures, and options.
Both companies are pursuing these products as platforms seek to diversify revenue amid a prolonged crypto downturn. Trading volumes on Kalshi and Polymarket surged from $17 billion in January to $72 billion in September 2026, according to the Financial Times report.
Binance US is also seeking up to $100 million in funding at around a $1 billion valuation to support expansion. It plans to restore state money-transmitter licenses and offer products beyond spot trading, emphasizing lower fees and a shift toward becoming a more comprehensive platform.
