Binance.US plans to apply to the U.S. Commodity Futures Trading Commission (CFTC) in August for Designated Contract Market (DCM) status, according to CEO Stephen Gregory, who announced the move during the Rare Evo conference in Las Vegas on July 29. Media reports say another company representative also confirmed the information. DCM status would allow the exchange to list futures, options, and event contracts for retail traders.
Binance.US is not yet included on the CFTC’s public list of pending applications. The regulator declined to comment, and both the review timeline and the chances of approval remain unknown.
Competition in the DCM Market
Binance.US’s entry would increase competition among platforms already operating under CFTC oversight. Most of the regulated market’s trading volume is currently concentrated on Kalshi and Polymarket US. In 2026, Gemini received DCM status, while Coinbase offers event contracts through its partnership with Kalshi.
The Wall Street Journal also reported last week that Robinhood is in talks with Crypto.com about integrating event contracts into the predictions section of its platform.
Expanding Beyond Spot Trading
The application continues the strategy Gregory outlined in mid-July. At that time, Binance.US reduced its trading fees to 0% for makers and 0.02% for takers, stating that it aims to reclaim around 20% of the U.S. spot trading market.
Obtaining DCM status would open the door to prediction markets and perpetual futures, which Gregory previously described as a key part of the company’s strategy to expand beyond spot trading.