Blockchain.com seeks CFTC licenses for U.S. prediction markets

Blockchain.com has filed applications with the U.S. Commodity Futures Trading Commission (CFTC) to obtain licenses that would allow the company to offer prediction markets and crypto derivatives to American users.

The Dallas-based firm is seeking two specific types of registration: a Futures Commission Merchant (FCM) license through the National Futures Association and a Designated Contract Market (DCM) license. If approved, the DCM license would enable the company to operate its own prediction market, as the CFTC classifies event contracts as swaps. The FCM license would allow the firm to process derivatives trades and hold customer funds.

According to Executive Chairman and CEO Peter Smith, the goal is to provide an integrated experience where users can manage digital assets and trade derivatives or take positions on real-world events within a single application. While Blockchain.com already provides prediction markets and perpetual futures in various international markets, these applications represent a move to bring regulated versions of these products to U.S. retail and institutional customers.