Blockchain.com is pursuing a US market entry for event contracts and cryptocurrency derivatives, filing two applications with the Commodity Futures Trading Commission (CFTC). The applications aim to establish a designated contract market (DCM) and a futures commission merchant (FCM). These registrations would enable Blockchain.com to offer its products to both retail and institutional investors within the United States.
A DCM registration would allow the company to operate a futures exchange specifically for event contracts. The FCM application would permit Blockchain.com to function as a broker for derivatives contracts. If approved by the CFTC, these dual registrations would provide a regulatory framework for the company to launch its own marketplace in the US. This move follows the company’s international expansion of similar offerings, including a planned partnership with Polymarket to integrate prediction markets into its app and the offering of perpetual futures through Hyperliquid to some international customers.
Event Contracts and Crypto Derivatives
Perpetual futures are a type of product that connects crypto platforms and event trading, as prediction market operators increasingly add them to their services. A CFTC-approved venue would offer Blockchain.com a direct path to operate its event-contract marketplace in the US, reducing reliance on third-party integrations. The company’s applications propose to offer event contracts and crypto derivatives to both retail and institutional customers.
The DCM application focuses on operating a futures exchange for event contracts, intended for US retail and institutional customers. The FCM application centers on brokering derivatives contracts, specifically cryptocurrency derivatives for US retail and institutional customers. These applications are distinct, with one addressing the exchange venue and the other the derivatives brokerage aspect.
A Competitive Regulatory Landscape
Blockchain.com is entering a competitive space, as other companies are also seeking federal approval to operate event-contract venues. In 2026, 11 other companies filed for DCM licenses, and the CFTC approved six new DCMs that year. Other entities, such as Fliff with its prediction-market push and DraftKings with its licensed exchange effort, are also vying for a position in this category.
The regulatory boundaries for this market remain a subject of ongoing dispute. US courts are currently reviewing legal challenges involving prediction market operators like Kalshi and Polymarket. These cases arise as state authorities bring actions alleging violations of laws related to sports and election betting. New Jersey officials have reportedly petitioned the US Supreme Court to review the state’s case against Kalshi, highlighting the contentious nature of the regulatory environment.
CFTC Chair Michael Selig has asserted that the agency holds exclusive jurisdiction over prediction markets. This stance is part of a broader federal-state disagreement that has not yet reached a definitive resolution. The approval of Blockchain.com’s applications would further integrate a regulated crypto company into the US event-contract market race. This development comes as other firms navigate the evolving regulatory framework, with entities like Blockchain.com seeking CFTC licenses for prediction markets and crypto derivatives.
The outcome of these applications could significantly influence how event contracts and crypto derivatives are offered and regulated in the US. The company’s pursuit of these registrations aligns with broader industry trends toward regulated financial products within the digital asset space. The Wyoming Blockchain Stampede has previously highlighted discussions around regulatory frameworks for blockchain technology and digital assets.
