Blockchain.com applies for a US regulatory license, planning to launch prediction markets and crypto derivatives trading.

According to CNBC, crypto asset platform Blockchain.com has submitted two license applications to the U.S. Commodity Futures Trading Commission (CFTC), with plans to offer event contracts and cryptocurrency derivatives trading services to U.S. retail and institutional clients. Specifically, Blockchain.com is applying to become a Designated Contract Market (DCM) to operate a regulated futures trading platform, while also seeking registration as a Futures Commission Merchant (FCM) to provide derivatives brokerage services. Co-founder and CEO Peter Smith stated that the company aims to enable users to manage digital assets, trade derivatives, and transact on real-world events all in one platform. Earlier this year, Blockchain.com partnered with Polymarket to offer prediction market services to select users, and provided perpetual contract trading to some international clients via Hyperliquid. This application signals the firm’s push to expand these operations into the U.S. market. CNBC data shows that 12 companies, including Blockchain.com, have applied for CFTC Designated Contract Market licenses so far this year, with regulators approving six new trading platforms in the same period. As crypto trading platforms and prediction markets continue to converge, more firms are seeking entry into the event contract and derivatives markets. Additionally, Blockchain.com is advancing its listing plans. The company confidentially submitted an IPO registration draft to the U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC) in May this year. Bloomberg previously reported that the firm plans to go public this year, targeting a valuation of $4 billion to $6 billion.