Global prediction markets are booming. Trading volumes reached a record US$24 billion in April this year, heavily driven by excitement over the FIFA World Cup and sports betting. But with that expansive growth come risks. Recent high-profile cases alleging insider trading related to the markets have alarmed businesses over the fear employees could exploit their nonpublic information for personal gain. Regulators have taken notice, and enforcement is on the rise.

How can businesses protect themselves from insiders who might use the prediction markets for ill gain? How significant is the enforcement and regulatory impact on companies? And what’s on the horizon as the prediction markets continue to captivate the public?

Join The Sidley Podcast host and Sidley partner, Sam Gandhi, as he speaks with two of the firm’s thought leaders on these issues — Ian McGinley, a partner in Sidley’s Securities Enforcement and Regulatory and White Collar Defense and Investigations practices and a former Commodity Futures Trading Commission director of enforcement, and Matthew Podolsky, also a partner in Sidley’s Securities Enforcement and Regulatory and White Collar Defense and Investigations practices. Matt is a former acting United States attorney for the Southern District of New York and former chief of their Securities and Commodities Fraud Task Force. Together, they discuss the exponential growth of the prediction markets, what is driving that growth, and the real-world risks of insider trading prosecutions related to engaging with those markets.

Executive Producer: John Metaxas, WallStreetNorth Communications, Inc.

Stablecoins are transforming money. Their very name implies more stability in value than their blockchain siblings such as bitcoin. As their use expands and momentum builds following recent legislative developments, they are increasingly being viewed as a potential means of improving the speed and efficiency of certain payments. But with that rapid growth come important questions about the appropriate regulatory framework and the interaction between stablecoins and the broader financial system. While new legislation is establishing safeguards, market participants differ on the appropriate balance between innovation and risk.

How are stablecoins transforming money? Who are the players at the center of this transformation? And how can businesses benefit?

Join The Sidley Podcast host and Sidley partner, Sam Gandhi, as he speaks with one of the firm’s thought leaders on these issues — Jess Cheng, a partner in Sidley’s Banking, Payments and Fintech and Blockchain practices. Together, they discuss how stablecoins are transforming the digital payments ecosystem and the players who are driving that change.

Executive Producer: John Metaxas, WallStreetNorth Communications, Inc.

The U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC) has proposed sweeping new rules that would encourage companies to go, and stay, public. If adopted, the changes would facilitate access to the capital markets and reduce compliance burdens. Industry groups have broadly welcomed the proposals. They say companies will be able to take advantage of desirable market conditions quickly and efficiently. But others are voicing concerns about the balance between flexibility and investor protection. Meanwhile, stakeholders are standing by, assessing the proposed changes for their potential impact.

How will the proposed rules affect how companies offer shares and report to investors? How significant is the regulatory impact? And what are the challenges and operational stakes?

Join The Sidley Podcast host and Sidley partner, Sam Gandhi, as he speaks with two of the firm’s thought leaders on these issues — Sonia Barros, co-leader of Sidley’s Public Company Advisory practice, and Carlton Fleming, a partner in Sidley’s Capital Markets and Public Company Advisory practices. Together, they discuss the SEC’s proposed overhaul of the public company regulatory framework – both for raising capital in registered offerings and for ongoing public company reporting obligations – and how Sidley is advising clients to prepare for the potential changes.

Executive Producer: John Metaxas, WallStreetNorth Communications, Inc.