Goldman Sachs is actively evaluating prediction markets, tokenisation, and stablecoins as part of a broader effort to understand emerging shifts in global market structure, CEO David Solomon said during the bank’s fourth-quarter earnings call.
Solomon confirmed that Goldman Sachs is examining how it could potentially engage with prediction markets, describing them as “super interesting”. He revealed that he has met with leadership from the two largest prediction market companies over the past two weeks, while internal teams are analysing how Commodity Futures Trading Commission (CFTC) regulated event contracts increasingly resemble derivative activities that could intersect with Goldman’s core businesses.
The remarks highlight growing institutional interest in prediction markets, which allow traders to buy and sell contracts tied to real-world outcomes such as elections, economic data releases, and policy decisions.
Goldman evaluates market structure shifts
Responding to an analyst question on innovation and market structure, Solomon emphasised that Goldman Sachs has committed significant internal resources to studying developments across tokenisation, stablecoins, and prediction markets.
According to Solomon, large teams across the firm are working closely with senior leadership to determine where Goldman should invest, participate, or potentially partner as these technologies evolve. Solomon made clear the firm intends to be strategically positioned as opportunities emerge.
He said the focus is on understanding where these technologies could expand or accelerate existing businesses, as well as where entirely new business opportunities may arise.
Regulatory focus shapes Goldman’s approach
Solomon also pointed to ongoing regulatory developments in Washington, including discussions surrounding the Digital Asset Market Clarity (CLARITY) Act of 2025. The legislation could play a key role in shaping how digital assets and tokenised markets develop in the United States.
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He noted that Goldman Sachs has been directly engaging with policymakers to ensure its views are represented as the regulatory framework evolves. While Solomon acknowledged that the legislation still has a long way to go, he stressed that regulatory clarity will be essential before large-scale institutional adoption can occur. Despite the uncertainty, Solomon said these innovations remain “important” and worthy of sustained attention from the firm.
Similarities to derivatives catch Wall Street’s attention
Solomon highlighted that some prediction markets, particularly those regulated by the CFTC, are increasingly comparable to traditional financial instruments.
Event-based contracts tied to elections, macroeconomic indicators, or policy decisions function in ways similar to derivatives, making them more familiar to large financial institutions. This resemblance, Solomon suggested, creates natural overlap with Goldman Sachs’ expertise in derivatives trading, market-making, and risk management. As regulation advances, these similarities could make prediction markets more accessible to institutional participants.
Cautious optimism on timing
Despite the growing attention, Solomon cautioned against expectations of rapid change. While interest in prediction markets and tokenisation is rising, he said, adoption may be slower than some commentators predict.
Goldman’s strategy, according to Solomon, is to invest time and analysis now so the firm can move decisively once regulatory and market structures become clearer. He described the innovations as “important” and “real”, but stressed that meaningful integration will take time.
Prediction markets gain mainstream momentum
Goldman’s comments come as prediction markets gain increasing visibility through high-profile partnerships across media, sports, and finance. Kalshi, a CFTC-regulated prediction market exchange, has formed partnerships with major media organisations, including CNBC and CNN. It has also collaborated with sports organisations such as the NHL and the Chicago Blackhawks, as well as financial and crypto firms, including Coinbase, Pyth Network, and Webull.
Polymarket, currently the world’s largest prediction market, has expanded rapidly through major media and entertainment partnerships. In January 2026, Polymarket announced an exclusive agreement with Dow Jones to distribute its real-time prediction market data across consumer platforms, including The Wall Street Journal. The platform has also partnered with the Golden Globes to provide real-time, market-driven insights during the awards ceremony.
Separately, Hollywood.com announced a partnership with Crypto.com in November 2025 to launch a new entertainment-focused prediction market covering outcomes such as award winners and reality television results. With Goldman Sachs now openly evaluating prediction markets at the highest levels, industry observers view the sector as moving beyond niche experimentation.
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