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Episode details

World Service,22 Jun 2026,45 mins

Luana Lopes Lara: Prediction market payout

Good Bad Billionaire

Available for over a year

Luana Lopes Lara, the co-founder of prediction market platform Kalshi, went from the Bolshoi ballet school in Brazil to becoming the world’s youngest female self-made billionaire. BBC business editor Simon Jack and journalist Zing Tsjeng explain how - in today's online world - literally anything can become a tradeable asset. Thanks to early investment, Luana Lopes Lara and her business partner Tarek Mansour convinced US regulators that making bets on real-world events was a form of trading rather than gambling. Good Bad Billionaire is the podcast that explores the lives of the super-rich and famous, tracking their wealth, philanthropy, business ethics, and success. There are leaders who made their money in Silicon Valley, on Wall Street and in high street fashion. From iconic celebrities and CEOs to titans of technology, the podcast unravels tales of fortune, power, economics, ambition and moral responsibility. Simon and Zing put their subjects to the test with a playful, totally unscientific scorecard — then hand the verdict over to you: are they good, bad, or simply billionaires? Here's how to contact the team: email goodbadbillionaire@bbc.com or send a text or WhatsApp to +1 (917) 686-1176. Find out more about the show and read our privacy notice at www.bbcworldservice.com/goodbadbillionaire.

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