Kalshi bolsters US lobbying efforts with new DC office

Kalshi, the first federally regulated financial exchange specializing in event contracts, has significantly ramped up its presence in Washington D.C. by opening a dedicated government affairs office. This strategic expansion is designed to bolster the firm’s lobbying efforts and enhance direct engagement with key policymakers, including the Commodity Futures Trading Commission (CFTC), the Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC), and members of Congress.

The establishment of the DC office signifies Kalshi’s commitment to navigating the complex regulatory landscape surrounding event contracts. Event contracts, which allow users to trade on the outcome of defined future events—such as economic indicators, political milestones, or weather patterns—require careful legislative and regulatory definition to distinguish them from traditional derivatives or gambling products.

Industry analysts note that the move is crucial given ongoing regulatory scrutiny and legislative debates regarding the legality and classification of certain trading products. Kalshi aims to utilize its new DC base to educate regulators on the utility of event contracts for hedging and forecasting purposes, pushing for clear regulatory frameworks that support market innovation while ensuring robust investor protection. The office will serve as the hub for the company’s outreach initiatives, allowing it to monitor legislative developments and proactively address potential regulatory roadblocks that could impact the future growth of the event contract market.

Source: Kalshi bolsters US lobbying efforts with new DC office