Blockchain.com is moving to launch domestic prediction markets and crypto derivatives by filing for Designated Contract Market (DCM) and Futures Commission Merchant (FCM) licenses with US regulators in early 2026. These filings represent a major push to establish a fully regulated event-contract venue within the United States. By securing these licenses, the platform intends to transition away from its previous reliance on overseas partners, allowing it to offer native, compliant trading services directly to American retail and institutional clients.
The timing of these filings is significant, as US demand for prediction markets—specifically event-based contracts tracking political outcomes, economic shifts, and sports—has reached record highs. By seeking FCM status alongside the DCM license, Blockchain.com is positioning itself to not only host the exchange but also to handle customer funds and clear trades internally. This vertical integration is designed to streamline the user experience, making crypto-settled derivatives more accessible and safer for the mainstream US market.
This regulatory maneuver comes amid a broader shift in the Washington D.C. political climate regarding digital assets. Following recent judicial rulings that challenged previous oversight models, the Commodity Futures Trading Commission (CFTC) has faced mounting pressure to formalize the rules for event contracts. Blockchain.com’s proactive licensing approach suggests the company is betting on a transparent regulatory framework that favors established, compliant entities over decentralized or offshore competitors that have historically dominated this niche.
For the broader crypto market, this development signals the continued institutionalization of derivatives. If these licenses are granted, it could lead to significantly higher liquidity for Bitcoin and Ethereum-linked contracts as more regulated capital enters the ecosystem. Market participants should closely watch the CFTC’s timeline for reviewing these applications, as approval could trigger a wave of similar filings from other major US-based exchanges looking to capture the surging demand for regulated event-based trading.