Kalshi Says Bitcoin Payments and Prediction Markets Are Building a New Exchange for Big Money

Kalshi’s head of crypto pitched the platform at Bitcoin 2026 as an exchange that could channel institutional capital into Bitcoin via prediction markets and Bitcoin-denominated payments. The firm says Bitcoin is now its largest source of user payments, and it plans to launch cryptocurrency perpetual futures (continuous derivatives) that use U.S. dollars as initial collateral with stablecoins to follow. Kalshi argues prediction contracts offer simpler access to directional Bitcoin exposure than spot markets and expects large hedge funds to take significant positions over time. The company highlights KYC and internal safeguards to limit insider trading risks and positions the product launch and regulatory footing to compete with offshore crypto derivatives venues.