Blockchain.com Seeks CFTC Approval to Launch U.S. Prediction Markets and Crypto Derivatives

Blockchain.com Pursues U.S. Licenses for Prediction Markets and Derivatives

Blockchain.com, a digital asset platform with a broad international footprint, is seeking to expand into the U.S. market by applying for two key licenses from the Commodity Futures Trading Commission (CFTC), according to CNBC. The company has submitted applications for a designated contract market (DCM) license—which would allow it to operate as a futures exchange—and registration as a futures commission merchant (FCM), enabling it to broker derivatives contracts. These approvals would position Blockchain.com to offer event contracts (commonly referred to as prediction markets) and cryptocurrency derivatives to retail and institutional clients in the United States.

CEO and co-founder Peter Smith, in a statement to CNBC, said, “Users should be able to manage their digital assets, trade derivatives, and take positions on real-world events easily, without jumping between different apps. Our DCM and FCM applications build toward that future in the U.S. through the appropriate regulatory frameworks.”

Regulatory Shifts and Expanding Competition

The application comes amid rising interest in prediction markets, which allow users to speculate on outcomes of real-world events like elections and economic data releases. Blockchain.com already offers these products to some of its international customers through partnerships with Polymarket for prediction markets and Hyperliquid for perpetual futures, according to CNBC.

A growing list of companies are also seeking approval to be U.S. futures exchanges. CNBC reports that Blockchain.com joins 11 other companies that have filed for DCM licenses this year. In 2026, the CFTC has approved six new designated contract markets. This reflects heightened demand and evolving regulatory conditions for crypto-related derivatives trading in the United States. Other digital asset exchanges, such as Crypto.com and Gemini Space Station, have launched their own event contract marketplaces, while Coinbase primarily offers these products through a partnership with Kalshi.

Meanwhile, the interplay between prediction markets and perpetual futures continues to develop. Kalshi and Polymarket have launched perpetual futures for U.S. and international clients, respectively, expanding access to one of the most popular crypto trading instruments.

Blockchain.com’s Market Ambitions and Public Offering Plans

Blockchain.com’s regulatory strategy aligns with its broader growth ambitions. The company confidentially filed for an initial public offering (IPO) with the Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC) in May. As reported by CNBC, Bloomberg has indicated Blockchain.com could target a valuation of $4 billion to $6 billion if it moves forward with its public listing this year. The outcome of Blockchain.com’s CFTC applications is expected to influence its competitive position within both digital asset markets and upcoming IPO discussions.

Risks and Industry Context

While Blockchain.com’s applications signal intent to bridge digital assets with regulated U.S. market infrastructure, the environment remains highly dynamic. The expansion of prediction markets and crypto derivatives faces potential consumer protection and market integrity concerns as regulatory frameworks evolve. Even after approval, changes in CFTC policy or broader government action could affect conditions for new entrants. Blockchain.com’s pursuit of these licenses shows the sector’s push to bring new products to U.S. institutional trading.