Kalshi, a U.S.-regulated prediction market platform, plans to integrate with every major crypto exchange and app within the next year. Speaking at the Token2049 conference in Singapore, John Wang, Kalshi’s Head of Crypto, outlined the company’s expansion plans. The firm, which already dominates the prediction market, aims to build on-chain tools, data systems, and developer resources.
Wang, who joined Kalshi in August after eight years as a crypto trader and influencer, is leading this push. He believes the crypto community represents the “definition of power users.” According to him, these users will help accelerate Kalshi’s ecosystem of new financial products and event‑driven contracts.
Kalshi is investing heavily in its on‑chain initiatives. It is creating tools such as real‑time event data feeds, AI‑driven agents, and advanced dashboards. Besides, the platform is launching grants for both off‑chain and on‑chain innovators through partnerships with Solana and Base. Moreover, Kalshi plans to expand these efforts by working with additional blockchain networks.
“The crypto community is the definition of power users, people who live and breathe new financial markets,” Wang said. He emphasized that prediction markets function like crypto options but in a simpler format, calling them a “Trojan Horse” for mainstream adoption.
Market Leadership and Regulatory Edge
Kalshi recently captured 66% of global prediction market share, up from 3.3% last year. This surge came from NFL‑related event contracts in the U.S. Hence, the platform has overtaken crypto‑native rival Polymarket, which is preparing its own U.S. return.
Polymarket, after acquiring QCX LLC for $112 million, secured a Designated Contract Market license in July. Consequently, it will relaunch U.S. operations with self‑certified event markets, including sports and politics.
Kalshi’s success stems from its regulatory approach. After winning a lawsuit against the CFTC in 2023, it gained the ability to list political contracts. “Prediction markets and event contracts are now being held at the same level as normal derivatives and stocks,” Wang said.
Kalshi is turning to crypto to drive its next growth phase. Strong regulation and fast on‑chain moves could keep it ahead, while rivals like Polymarket scramble to catch up.