Gemini CFTC License Sets Stage for US Crypto Prediction Markets

How the Gemini CFTC License Fuel Prediction Markets, Futures and Perps

What happens when a major US crypto exchange finally gets the green light it waited five long years for? This week, the digital assets industry saw a major shift as Gemini received its long-awaited Gemini CFTC license, clearing the way for prediction markets, crypto derivatives, and a bigger push into regulated trading in the United States. 

Gemini Secures Designated Contract Market Approval

Gemini Titan LLC, an affiliate of the organisation has officially earned a Designated Contract Market (DCM) license from the Commodity Futures Trading Commission (CFTC). 

Source: X (formerly Twitter) 

This new approval allows the platform to offer simple “yes-or-no” prediction markets to users across the US. 

The exchange first applied back in March 2020. After a five-year wait, the license signals a new chapter for the platform and the broader crypto space. 

This achievement also comes during a period when US regulators are slowly shifting toward a more pro-innovation stance.

Tyler Winklevoss celebrated the milestone and thanked President Trump for ending what he called the previous administration’s “War on Crypto.” He also praised Acting Chair Caroline Pham for steering the CFTC toward a more business-friendly direction.

What Gemini’s Prediction Markets Will Look Like

With the CFTC license approval, users will soon be able to trade real-money event contracts. These will allow people to bet on clear, factual outcomes such as:

• “Will Bitcoin trade above $200,000 by the end of the year?”

• “Will Elon Musk’s X platform pay the full EU fine in 2026?”

Prediction markets like these use crowd wisdom to forecast real-world events. They help traders understand what the public believes will happen next, making them both a tool for insight and a new form of crypto-linked engagement.

Initially, trading will go live on the web using USD balances. Mobile access will roll out shortly afterward.

Looking Beyond Predictions: Futures and Perps Coming Soon

The exchange has also confirmed plans to expand into futures, options, and perpetual contracts (perps), the most popular digital currency derivatives worldwide. Perps dominate trading volume in Asia and other global industries, and the platform now wants to bring them to the US in a fully regulated way.

This expansion is part of company’s larger strategy to build a “one-stop financial super app” for digital currency users. The approval strengthens Gemini’s position as a key player in the growing US derivatives landscape.

CFTC’s New Innovation Council Includes Digtial Assets Giants

In another related update, Acting Chairman Caroline Pham announced a CEO Innovation Council to discuss the future of US derivatives markets. 

Participating companies include Gemini, Polymarket, Kalshi, Kraken, and Crypto.com.

Source: X (formerly Twitter) 

Tyler Winklevoss shared his excitement about joining the group, saying leaders are finally aligned to help “make America the crypto capital of the world.”

A Boost for the Crypto Market and Gemini’s Momentum

Signs of market confidence were clear as Gemini’s stock jumped 15% in after-hours trading following the announcement. For a market hungry for regulatory clarity, this approval is more than just a milestone; it's a signal that US digital assets innovation may finally be accelerating.

Prediction markets could become as large as traditional capital markets, according to Cameron Winklevoss. If true, this firm now sits at the front of a new financial frontier. 

Disclaimer: This article is for informational purposes only, kindly do your own research before investing in crypto markets.