Polymarket Secures US Regulatory Approval
Prediction market platform Polymarket has secured regulatory approval from the US Commodity Futures Trading Commission (CFTC) to begin operations as an intermediated trading platform.
The platform’s amended CFTC designation allows it to formally open in the US with a fully regulated exchange structure.
PolyMarket Secures US Return
Prediction market platform Polymarket has secured regulatory approval from the US Commodity Futures Trading Commission (CFTC) to begin operations as an intermediated trading platform. Polymarket stated in a notice that the CFTC issued an Amended Order of Designation, allowing the company to operate an intermediated trading platform, subject to the complete set of requirements applicable to federally regulated US exchanges. Polymarket added that the approval will allow the platform to onboard brokerages and customers directly, facilitating trading on US venues. Polymarket founder and CEO Shayne Coplan stated,
“This approval allows us to operate in a way that reflects the maturity and transparency that the US regulatory framework demands. People rely on Polymarket because we provide clarity where there is confusion.”
The Path To Compliance
Polymarket’s return to the US market required considerable work. The CFTC banned the platform from serving US customers in 2022 for operating an unregistered derivatives exchange and imposed a $1.4 million fine. However, Polymarket’s acquisition of QCX in July 2025 was a turning point because QCX LLC and QC Clearing already held the necessary CFTC licenses to operate as a derivatives exchange and clearinghouse. QCX’s acquisition gave Polymarket the foundation required to serve US customers legally.
The CFTC issued a no-action letter in September 2025, effectively allowing Polymarket to operate in the US market. Investigations by the Department of Justice and the CFTC into Polymarket were also closed without any charges filed.
The new designation allows US customers to access prediction markets through intermediaries like traditional brokerages instead of direct blockchain interactions. The platform has also upgraded its compliance systems to meet federal exchange standards, developing enhanced surveillance technology, clearing workflows, supervision policies, and regulatory reporting systems. The upgrades bring Polymarket in line with the regulatory requirements for designated contract markets under the Commodity Exchange Act.
Institutional Interest
Polymarket has registered significant growth and interest in 2025. The platform processed over $18 billion in total trading volume and grew its user base from 20,000 to over 58,000 daily active users. The platform is expected to reach $3.5 billion in trading volume in November, beating October’s record of $3 billion. The platform’s valuation has also soared, as it raised $200 million at a $1 billion valuation in June. The New York Stock Exchange’s parent company, Intercontinental Exchange, announced a $2 billion investment in the platform at a $9 billion valuation in October. Current reports suggest Polymarket is now seeking funding at a valuation of between $12 billion and $15 billion.
Disclaimer: This article is provided for informational purposes only. It is not offered or intended to be used as legal, tax, investment, financial, or other advice.