Blockchain.com has applied for two licenses from the Commodity Futures Trading Commission (CFTC) to offer prediction markets and cryptocurrency derivatives trading to both retail and institutional customers in the United States.
The company is seeking designation as a designated contract market (DCM), which would allow it to operate a regulated futures exchange, and registration as a futures commission merchant (FCM), which would enable it to provide brokerage services for derivatives contracts.
CEO and co-founder Peter Smith said the company aims to integrate its services into a single platform where users can manage cryptocurrency holdings, trade derivatives, and take positions on real-world events without using multiple applications.
Blockchain.com currently offers prediction markets through a partnership with Polymarket and perpetual futures trading via Hyperliquid to select international customers. Both services launched earlier this year.
Industry Expansion
Blockchain.com joins 11 other companies that have applied for DCM licenses this year. The CFTC has approved six new exchanges in 2026, reflecting growing interest in federally regulated prediction markets.
Other major digital asset platforms, including Coinbase and Crypto.com, have also expanded into event-based trading, competing with established prediction market operators such as Kalshi and Polymarket.
Regulatory Challenges
Regulatory uncertainty remains a significant obstacle. The CFTC has asserted federal authority over event contracts, while state regulators contend that certain offerings, particularly sports-related contracts, may violate state gambling laws. Conflicting court decisions have left the jurisdictional dispute unresolved.
Blockchain.com filed confidentially for an initial public offering in May, seeking a valuation between $4 billion and $6 billion. No timeline has been announced for the IPO or the company's proposed U.S. prediction markets launch.
