CFTC Approves Polymarket as US Regulated Exchange

Polymarket, the leading cryptocurrency-based prediction market platform, received formal approval from the U.S. Commodity Futures Trading Commission this week to operate as a regulated exchange in the United States, marking its return after years of offshore restrictions.

The CFTC's Amended Order of Designation authorizes Polymarket to function as an intermediated contract market, enabling the platform to onboard American users and brokerages directly. This structure allows trading through registered futures commission merchants and traditional financial infrastructure, aligning Polymarket with federally supervised exchanges for commodities and derivatives. U.S. traders, previously reliant on workarounds or offshore access, can now participate legally in event-based contracts covering elections, sports, geopolitics, and economic outcomes.

The approval stems from Polymarket's efforts to meet stringent regulatory standards. Earlier this year, the company acquired QCX LLC, a CFTC-regulated derivatives exchange, and QC Clearing, a licensed clearinghouse, for $112 million. These moves provided the necessary framework for compliance, including enhanced surveillance tools, clearing...