Blockchain.com and Binance US are seeking CFTC approval to enter the U.S. prediction market sector, joining Coinbase and Gemini. Monthly trading volume on Polymarket and Kalshi reached $72 bi
Blockchain.com and Binance US are seeking U.S. regulatory approval to offer prediction markets, joining a growing group of cryptocurrency companies looking to expand beyond traditional digital asset trading.
According to a Financial Times report published on October 21, Binance US recently applied to the U.S. Commodity Futures Trading Commission (CFTC) for authorization to offer prediction markets. Blockchain.com filed its application last week, the report said.
Blockchain.com confirmed on October 13 that it had applied for two registrations with the CFTC: a Designated Contract Market (DCM) licence and registration as a Futures Commission Merchant (FCM). If approved, the registrations would allow the company to offer event contracts and crypto derivatives, including futures and options, to U.S. retail and institutional customers.
The company already offers prediction markets and perpetual futures to users in eligible international markets. Its U.S. applications aim to bring these services onto its platform for American customers.
Binance US had previously announced plans to seek a DCM licence. Chief Executive Stephen Gregory said in July that the exchange intended to apply in August.
The latest applications come as prediction markets attract more trading activity while cryptocurrency exchanges face pressure to diversify their businesses.
Prediction markets allow users to trade contracts tied to the outcomes of real-world events, including elections, economic decisions and sporting events. Contract prices can reflect the probability traders assign to a particular outcome, with payouts determined by the market’s settlement rules.
Combined monthly trading volumes on leading prediction-market platforms Polymarket and Kalshi climbed from $17 billion in January to $72 billion in September 2026, according to The Block data. That represents an increase of more than four times. Over the same period, spot cryptocurrency trading volume fell 18%.
Source: The Block
Other exchanges are also pursuing the market. Coinbase has partnered with Kalshi to offer event contracts, while Gemini operates its own prediction-market service. Crypto.com and Bullish are also among the companies pursuing opportunities in the sector.
Neither Blockchain.com nor Binance.US has received regulatory approval for the proposed services. A DCM designation is required to operate a regulated exchange for covered event contracts, while FCM registration is required for businesses that handle customer orders and funds for derivatives transactions.
Both companies must secure the relevant regulatory approvals before launching the proposed U.S. services.
