CFTC Prohibits Bulk Filing of Event Contracts Following $27B World Cup Trading Surge

According to the CFTC, the agency issued new guidance on July 29, 2026, prohibiting regulated prediction market exchanges from submitting broad, template-style self-certifications covering large numbers of event contracts. The advisory follows record activity during the 2026 FIFA World Cup, when Kalshi processed over $27 billion in trading volume across approximately 33,000 event contracts, attracting around three million users.

The CFTC stated that blanket filings make it difficult for staff to assess whether exchanges have provided sufficient information about settlement methodologies and data sources. Exchanges must now provide more granular filings to demonstrate each contract complies with regulatory requirements, though the guidance does not prohibit launching large numbers of contracts or affect existing products. Closely related contracts may still be grouped in limited circumstances if they share the same underlying characteristics.