There's more to Polymarket than meets the eye, particularly with its complex corporate structure. In 2022, federal regulators ordered the company to stop operating as an unlicensed derivatives exchange and set up a Panama-based entity called Adventure One QSS to comply with these demands. However, former employees reveal that some of this Panamanian firm's staff worked from New York, raising questions about compliance.
Despite reports that the company’s office in Panama was empty, it appears that not all staff were where they should have been. Former Polymarket employees suggest a spread-out workforce, with some Adventure One QSS staffers based in Manhattan. This setup adds layers to the regulatory issues surrounding the company and its operations.
The intricacies of this structure are crucial for understanding compliance. The 2022 settlement required Polymarket to wind down certain markets and stop violating the Commodity Exchange Act, yet questions remain about whether these new corporate entities are truly operating as intended.
While it's common for businesses to incorporate in Panama due to its attractive tax laws and easy registration, Polymarket’s journey is unique. The CFTC’s enforcement actions highlight the importance of stringent compliance, suggesting that even a seemingly legal structure can be scrutinised.
The setup of Adventure One QSS, with its spread-out staff and potential non-compliance issues, challenges traditional notions of corporate oversight and raises concerns about offshore operations. As it stands, Polymarket’s true operational structure remains a mystery, much to the confusion of both regulators and former employees alike.







