You can trade on Kalshi with 100% confidence.
Ever wondered if Kalshi is just too good to be true? We get it—online platforms can feel like the wild west. That’s exactly why we built Kalshi on a foundation of trust, transparency, and top-tier regulation. Below, we break down in plain English what makes Kalshi fully legit, how we keep your money and data safe, and why you can trade with confidence every single day.
Kalshi is regulated by the CFTC.
Why CFTC Oversight Matters
Kalshi isn’t a sketchy corner of the internet—it’s a Designated Contract Market (DCM) regulated by the Commodity Futures Trading Commission (CFTC). Think of the CFTC as the watchdog for U.S. derivatives markets (like the SEC is for stocks). In November 2020, the CFTC gave KalshiEX LLC its stamp of approval, granting us official exchange status. That wasn’t a rubber-stamp affair—we passed a rigorous review of our legal, technical, and operational standards.
What this means for you:
Fairness: Every trade you place happens in an environment that must follow “Core Principles” designed to prevent fraud and manipulation.
Transparency: You get open access to market rules and real-time pricing—no hidden algorithms or secret back-doors.
Security: Your funds and data live under stringent U.S. protections, not in some offshore account.
The Power of “Designated Contract Market”
“DCM” might sound like industry jargon, so here’s the nutshell: it’s an official license to host futures-style contracts under the Commodity Exchange Act. Only a handful of platforms earn this privilege, and Kalshi sits right alongside the biggest names in futures trading.
The DCM Promise
Market Integrity: We must enforce strict rules on order handling and price formation.
Customer Protection: Regular audits, financial reporting, and segregation of funds ensure your money is handled correctly.
Regulatory Reporting: We file routine reports with the CFTC so they—and you—can spot and stop any bad behavior immediately.
Strong Penalties, Stronger Trust
Because we’re under constant CFTC supervision, there’s simply no room for shortcuts. Exchanges that break the rules face steep fines (in 2024, one exchange paid $22 million for violations) or even a forced shutdown. Would any responsible business risk that kind of penalty? Not us—and not any exchange you should consider.
How Kalshi Beats Unregulated Alternatives
Image via @gohrhyyan
You’ve probably seen prediction-market sites unburdened by U.S. rules, promising fast payouts on sports, elections, crypto, you name it. Here’s the catch: they can’t guarantee fairness, and they can vanish overnight. Kalshi, by contrast:
Operates entirely under U.S. law—no legal gray areas.
Approvals for every market—we vet each contract to ensure it meets CFTC approval.
Enforced KYC/AML checks—so you trade alongside legitimate participants, not bots or bad actors.
When you choose Kalshi, you’re opting into a stable, regulated environment—never a gamble on “maybe they’ll pay.”
Built-In Safeguards for Your Peace of Mind
Kalshi Klear: Our affiliated clearinghouse (approved as a Derivatives Clearing Organization in 2024) handles all settlement—so deposits and withdrawals are rock solid.
Market Surveillance: Real-time monitoring systems and compliance teams catch suspicious activity before it impacts you.
Rigorous Listing Standards: No gimmicks. We only offer event contracts that comply with federal statutes.
All of these layers of protection exist to make sure your experience on Kalshi is as safe and reliable as trading on any major financial exchange.
Ready to Trade with Confidence?
Image via @kellysikkema
Kalshi isn’t just a “cool new platform”—it’s your gateway to trading on real-world events, backed by U.S. regulatory muscle. If you’ve been curious about event trading, now’s the time to dive in. Our friendly interface, transparent fees, and robust compliance framework mean you can focus on what matters—making informed trades—while we handle the regulatory heavy lifting.
Get started today at kalshi.com or download the Kalshi app on iOS and Android. Have questions? Our Help Center covers everything from account setup to market mechanics.
The bottom line:With Kalshi, you’re not taking a leap of faith—you’re trading on a platform built on the same legal foundations that govern U.S. futures markets. No smoke, no mirrors, just a fully regulated exchange designed for real traders. Welcome to Kalshi—where confidence meets opportunity.