Gokce Guven and the Evolution of U.S. Prediction Markets
NEW YORK, February 02, 2026, Monday – Gokce Guven, the co-founder and CEO of Kalshi, continues to lead the charge in the regulated prediction market industry. Following a landmark year for event-based trading, Guven has positioned her platform as the primary US-regulated exchange for hedging against real-world outcomes, ranging from economic indicators to political shifts.
The Rise of Event Contracts
Under Guven’s leadership, Kalshi has transitioned from a niche financial startup to a significant player in the American financial ecosystem. By securing licenses from the Commodity Futures Trading Commission (CFTC), Guven successfully navigated the complex legal landscape that previously restricted Americans from trading on the outcome of non-traditional events. Her focus remains on “democratizing information” by allowing the market to assign a real-time dollar value to the probability of future events.
In recent months, Guven has emphasized the utility of these markets for institutional investors looking to hedge against “black swan” events. Unlike traditional stock markets, Guven’s platform allows for direct exposure to specific risks, such as Federal Reserve interest rate hikes or changes in climate policy legislation.
Key Milestones for Kalshi
| Category | Details |
|---|---|
| Founder & CEO | Gokce Guven |
| Platform Name | Kalshi |
| Regulatory Body | CFTC (Commodity Futures Trading Commission) |
| Primary Market Focus | Event Contracts and Prediction Markets |
| Headquarters | New York City, NY |
Regulatory Challenges and Future Outlook
The journey has not been without friction. Guven has been a vocal advocate in Washington, D.C., arguing that regulated markets are safer for consumers than offshore, unregulated alternatives. Following the high-volume activity of the 2024 election cycle, Guven has spent the early part of 2026 working with regulators to establish clearer frameworks for “Congressional Control” contracts and other sensitive political instruments.
Looking ahead, Guven aims to integrate Kalshi’s data feeds into mainstream financial terminals, providing a “probability-based” layer to traditional market analysis. She maintains that the transparency of a regulated exchange provides the most accurate “wisdom of the crowd” available to the public.
Frequently Asked Questions
Who is Gokce Guven?
Gokce Guven is a Turkish-American entrepreneur and the CEO of Kalshi, the first regulated exchange dedicated to trading event contracts in the United States.
Is Kalshi legal in the United States?
Yes, Kalshi is a designated contract market (DCM) regulated by the Commodity Futures Trading Commission (CFTC), making it a legal platform for U.S. residents to trade on event outcomes.
What can you trade on Gokce Guven’s platform?
Users can trade on a variety of outcomes, including economic data releases (like CPI or unemployment rates), entertainment awards, weather events, and specific legislative or political milestones.