Robinhood(US:HOOD) Benzinga·2025-11-26 12:13Core Insights - Robinhood Markets, Inc. has launched a new venture focused on futures and prediction markets, aiming to enhance its derivatives trading capabilities [1][2] - The company reported significant customer growth and an increase in platform assets, indicating a strong demand for its services [2][9] - Prediction markets have quickly become a key revenue driver for Robinhood, with over 1 million customers trading approximately 9 billion contracts since their launch [3] Business Development - Robinhood plans to establish an independent exchange and clearinghouse for futures, options, and prediction contracts, controlling the joint venture while partnering with Susquehanna International Group for liquidity [2][4] - The joint venture will acquire MIAXdx, which holds necessary licenses from the U.S. Commodity Futures Trading Commission, allowing for a more robust trading infrastructure [4][5] - The new platform is expected to begin operations in 2026, pending regulatory approvals [6] Customer Demand and Growth - There is strong customer demand for prediction markets, prompting Robinhood to invest in its core exchange infrastructure to facilitate faster innovation [6] - As of October, Robinhood had 27.1 million funded customers, reflecting a month-over-month increase of about 210,000 and a year-over-year increase of 2.6 million [9] - Total platform assets reached $343 billion, marking a 3% increase from September and a 115% increase from October 2024 [9] Product Offering - In addition to prediction markets, Robinhood provides commission-free trading in stocks, options, futures, and cryptocurrencies, along with various financial products aimed at new investors [8]