Blockchain.com Seeks CFTC Approval for U.S. Event Contracts

Blockchain.com has applied to the U.S. Commodity Futures Trading Commission for two registrations that could allow it to offer event contracts and cryptocurrency derivatives to U.S. customers. The applications are pending, and the company has not announced a U.S. launch timeline. The company is seeking registration as a designated contract market, which would permit it to operate an exchange for event contracts, and as a futures commission merchant, which would allow it to broker derivatives transactions. The proposed services are intended for retail and institutional customers, according to reporting based on information from the company. Chief Executive Peter Smith said the goal is to let users manage digital assets, trade derivatives and access event contracts in one place. Approval of the applications would give Blockchain.com a route to operate its own U.S. marketplace, rather than relying solely on outside platforms for those products. The registrations would not, by themselves, establish when or which services would launch. Blockchain.