UK FCA in talks to ease retail ban on prediction markets

TREE NEWS reports: The UK Financial Conduct Authority (FCA) is discussing with trading platforms the relaxation of restrictions on retail investors in prediction markets, in place since 2019. The move follows UK users bypassing the ban via VPNs to access Kalshi and Polymarket, valued at about $22B and $21B respectively. Industry forecasts predict trading volume to grow from $51B in 2025 to $240B in 2026. Platforms offering certain contracts still require dual approval from the FCA and the Gambling Commission.