Regulated Prediction Markets Take Shape as Bitnomial Locks in Clearing Approval Under CFTC Oversight

Bitnomial won U.S. regulatory approval to clear fully collateralized swaps, opening the door to regulated prediction markets and positioning the exchange as the only domestic venue unifying derivatives, crypto exposure and outcomes-based trading.

Bitnomial Expands Regulated Prediction Markets Under CFTC Approval

A regulated derivatives exchange expanded its product scope in the United States as Bitnomial Inc., a Chicago-based company, announced on Dec. 12 that its clearing subsidiary received approval from the U.S. Commodity Futures Trading Commission (CFTC) to clear fully collateralized swaps, enabling regulated prediction markets.

The authorization allows Bitnomial Clearinghouse LLC to support prediction markets alongside its existing derivatives suite. The company stated:

With this approval, Bitnomial becomes the only full-service U.S. exchange and clearinghouse offering perpetuals, futures, options, leveraged spot, and now prediction markets under one regulatory framework and unified liquidity pool.

Bitnomial also detailed how the structure extends beyond its own venue, explaining: “Partners gain access to collateral mobility across USD and crypto, the same margin and settlement infrastructure that powers Bitnomial’s derivatives complex, depending on the partner regulatory approvals.” The clearinghouse plans to provide services to external prediction market operators while maintaining a neutral infrastructure role rather than competing on retail offerings.

Read more: First-Ever Spot Crypto Trading Goes Live on a CFTC-Registered Exchange

President of Bitnomial Exchange and Clearinghouse Michael Dunn opined:

Prediction markets represent the next frontier for regulated derivatives, and no other U.S. venue offers this combination of products with unified trading, clearing, and margin.

He added that the derivatives clearing organization approval enables the firm to serve both its own exchange and outside partners while building a clearing network designed to strengthen the broader prediction market ecosystem. Bitnomial Exchange’s prediction market will initially focus on crypto and economic events, complementing its Bitcoin Complex and Crypto Complex offerings, and allowing participants to gain exposure to outcomes tied to token price movements and macroeconomic indicators with integrated risk management across products.

FAQ ⏰

• What did the CFTC approve for Bitnomial?

The CFTC approved Bitnomial Clearinghouse to clear fully collateralized swaps, enabling regulated prediction markets in the U.S.

• Why is Bitnomial’s prediction market approval significant?

It makes Bitnomial the only U.S. exchange unifying perpetuals, futures, options, leveraged spot, and prediction markets under one framework.

• Will Bitnomial compete with other prediction market operators?

Bitnomial plans to act as neutral infrastructure while providing clearing services to external prediction market operators.

• What assets will Bitnomial’s prediction markets focus on?

The initial focus will be crypto and economic events tied to token prices and macroeconomic indicators.