Blockchain.com Drops a Futures Hat in the CFTC Ring 🎩

Blockchain.com has applied to the US Commodity and Futures Trading Commission (CFTC) for two regulatory registrations that would authorize the firm to operate prediction markets and offer crypto derivatives to retail and institutional customers nationwide, according to a CNBC report. The crypto infrastructure company is pursuing designations as a Designated Contract Market (DCM) and a Futures Commission Merchant (FCM) to facilitate the regulated offerings.

The move expands the firm's footprint beyond its existing crypto wallet, exchange and data products into event contracts and derivatives, both of which have drawn increasing attention from US-based crypto firms seeking regulated venues for retail and institutional clients. DCM registration permits an entity to operate a trading facility for futures and options, while FCM registration permits an entity to accept and execute orders for futures and options.

The applications follow earlier product expansions tied to prediction markets and perpetuals. Blockchain.com previously integrated with Polymarket to surface political and cultural prediction data inside its consumer wallet and broadened derivatives exposure through a partnership with Hyperliquid, a decentralized perpetuals exchange. The new filings, if approved, would bring those offerings onto a CFTC-supervised platform operated directly by Blockchain.com.

Prediction markets have surged globally this year, with platforms tracking elections, sports and economic data points experiencing record trading volumes and monthly active users. Rivals including Kalshi and Polymarket have driven significant engagement, drawing capital from both retail traders and institutions seeking event-driven exposure. Derivatives activity on venues such as the Chicago Mercantile Exchange has also climbed, with bitcoin futures open interest regularly setting fresh highs as $BTC prices traded in a wide range during the quarter.

Blockchain.com, founded in 2011, operates one of the longest-running bitcoin wallet services and has grown to include institutional brokerage, custody, exchange and on-chain data products. The firm did not immediately respond to a request for comment on the timing of the CFTC applications or the expected product launch dates. The CFTC's review process typically spans several months and includes background checks on principals, capital adequacy reviews and systems testing prior to approval.