Overview
- Blockchain.com told reporters on Friday that it has filed with the Commodity Futures Trading Commission for designation as a designated contract market and for registration as a futures commission merchant to offer event contracts and cryptocurrency derivatives in the U.S.
- A designated contract market (DCM) would let the company list and operate regulated futures or event-contract markets while an FCM registration would let it handle customer orders, accounts and collateral; both are required for fully in-house exchange operations.
- NFA records show Blockchain.com Derivatives Inc. has had pending applications for FCM registration and NFA membership since August 25, and the company is not yet authorized to perform FCM functions; the reported DCM filing is not yet visible in public CFTC records.
- The filings would shift Blockchain.com from reselling products provided by partners such as Polymarket and Hyperliquid to controlling listings and customer relationships, a move that could shape product access for retail and institutional users if regulators approve.
- The regulatory push comes during the firm’s confidential IPO process and a busy CFTC approval year when a dozen firms sought DCMs and six new DCMs were approved in 2026, so the key things to watch are the agency’s review of clearing arrangements, market structure and customer protections.