Luana Lopes Lara

Luana Lopes Lara is a technology entrepreneur and co-founder of Kalshi, a federally regulated predictions market that enables users to trade on the outcomes of real-world events. Lopes Lara is recognized for her expertise in product design and regulatory strategy, positioning Kalshi at the intersection of finance, data, and policy, and transforming complex questions about the future into tradeable assets. Her work has established her as a prominent voice in event-based markets and financial innovation.

Before founding Kalshi, Lopes Lara gained experience in quantitative fields and high-growth environments, developing skills in data analysis, risk modeling, and product development. She is noted for her ability to translate technical market structures into intuitive experiences for everyday users, making her an effective communicator in investor meetings and public forums. This combination of analytical depth and clear explanation supports her reputation as a speaker on topics such as fintech regulation, prediction markets, and retail investing.

Under Lopes Lara's leadership, Kalshi has navigated regulatory review and secured approvals that set it apart from earlier, less regulated prediction platforms. This accomplishment is considered a significant milestone for the industry, demonstrating strategic sophistication in working with regulators and advocating for a new asset class. Her role in this process highlights her credibility with professional audiences focused on compliance, governance, and long-term market viability.

Lopes Lara regularly appears on industry panels, podcasts, and conference stages to discuss how event contracts can improve decision-making in business, policy, and risk management. She uses examples from Kalshi’s platform to illustrate how market-based forecasts can outperform traditional surveys or expert consensus, helping audiences understand the practical applications of these financial tools. Her speaking style and ability to address challenging questions have made her a frequent guest for discussions at the intersection of markets, technology, and public policy.

In addition to Kalshi’s commercial development, Lopes Lara has addressed the challenges of building a novel financial product within a cautious regulatory environment and a skeptical market. She often presents these challenges as opportunities to educate, emphasizing how careful design, transparency, and compliance can expand access to advanced financial instruments. This combination of technical expertise and public engagement has established Lopes Lara as a credible figure in the global fintech industry.