Blockchain.com seeks U.S. approval for prediction markets, crypto derivatives trading

Blockchain.com, a digital asset platform, wants to get in on the prediction market boom in the U.S. 

The company has filed for two licenses with the Commodity Futures Trading Commission to feature event contracts as well as cryptocurrency derivatives to retail and institutional customers in the U.S., Blockchain.com told CNBC.

Blockchain.com is asking the CFTC — the federal regulator for futures and derivatives — to designate it a futures exchange by receiving a designated contract market license. It also asks to be registered as a futures commission merchant, which are brokers for derivatives contracts.

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

Blockchain.com earlier this year began offering prediction markets through a partnership with Polymarket, as well as perpetual futures powered by Hyperliquid, to some of its customers internationally. 

Crypto-related companies have increasingly sought to participate in prediction markets, and vice versa. Digital asset exchanges Crypto.com and Gemini Space Station have their own event contract marketplaces, while Coinbase offers them primarily through a partnership with Kalshi. Meanwhile, Kalshi and Polymarket have launched perpetual futures — one of crypto's most popular trading products — for U.S. and international customers, respectively.