Polymarket has received an Amended Order of Designation from the CFTC, officially allowing it to operate as a regulated, intermediated exchange in the U.S.
Key Takeaways
- Polymarket has been approved by the CFTC to operate as a fully regulated exchange in the U.S.
- The Amended Order of Designation enables access via brokerages and futures commission merchants.
- Polymarket must implement enhanced surveillance, supervision, and reporting before full launch.
- This marks Polymarket’s formal return to the U.S. after previously blocking access in 2022.
What Happened?
The U.S. Commodity Futures Trading Commission (CFTC) has officially granted Polymarket an Amended Order of Designation. This allows the decentralized prediction market platform to function within the United States under a fully regulated framework, aligning it with the same standards that apply to federally supervised exchanges.
This regulatory milestone clears the path for Polymarket to reenter the U.S. market with intermediated trading access, a major step forward after it restricted U.S. users in 2022.
We’re thrilled to share that we’ve received CFTC approval for intermediation, paving the way for seamless access to polymarkets through registered brokers & financial institutions.
— Polymarket (@Polymarket) November 25, 2025
Coming soon to a trading platform near you. pic.twitter.com/2m72ZwCdtA
CFTC Approval Signals Return to U.S. Market
Polymarket, known for its real-money prediction markets on political and real-world events, has been approved to operate in the U.S. as a Designated Contract Market. The CFTC’s Amended Order of Designation means that Polymarket is now allowed to offer intermediated access through futures commission merchants (FCMs) and traditional brokerage firms.
This shift enables U.S. participants to trade via familiar financial channels while ensuring Polymarket operates within the structure of existing federal compliance expectations. It also allows the company to onboard brokerages and retail customers directly.
Shayne Coplan, Polymarket’s founder and CEO, welcomed the development, stating, “People rely on Polymarket because we provide clarity where there is confusion and accountability where there is ambiguity.” He added that the approval reflects growing regulatory acceptance of prediction markets as a legitimate financial instrument.
Enhanced Compliance and Operational Framework
As part of the designation, Polymarket is now required to meet the full set of obligations that apply to federally regulated exchanges. This includes:
- Enhanced market surveillance systems.
- Supervisory and clearing procedures.
- Part 16 regulatory reporting capabilities.
- Self-regulatory responsibilities under the Commodity Exchange Act.
Before launching its updated platform to the U.S. public, Polymarket must complete implementation of additional rules and operational safeguards required for intermediated trading. These steps are intended to ensure the platform meets the same reliability and transparency standards that traditional U.S. financial institutions must follow.
A Return Two Years in the Making
Polymarket had restricted access to U.S. users in 2022 amid regulatory scrutiny. The new designation represents the culmination of ongoing discussions with the CFTC and a significant regulatory turnaround for the platform.
The company previously indicated it planned to resume operations in the U.S. in November, and this approval clears the final hurdle to make that happen.
According to Polymarket, the decision will support its integration with standard market infrastructure, including custody, settlement, and reporting systems familiar to institutional players.
CoinLaw’s Takeaway
I find this to be a huge step for the prediction market space. In my experience, platforms like Polymarket have long hovered in legal grey zones, so seeing them work hand-in-hand with the CFTC is a major credibility boost. What stands out here is not just that Polymarket is back in the U.S., but that it’s doing so by embracing full federal oversight. That’s a rare move in crypto-related platforms and sets a precedent for others who want to go legit. If you’re interested in market-based forecasting or decentralized finance, this is one to watch.
