In the piece, Elsayed examines the rise of prediction markets and the role Islamic finance plays in protecting against the harm they cause.

Reston, VA, July 24, 2026 — An article by Guidance President and CEO Kal Elsayed published in Islamic Finance News is now available for download on the company's website.

The article, titled "Prediction Markets and the Erosion of the American Dream," was published on April 28, 2026. In it, Elsayed examines the growing popularity of prediction markets, where individuals are encouraged to chase gains from market volatility rather than build wealth through saving, starting a business, or long-term homeownership.

Elsayed argues this shift carries real costs for society, and points to Islamic finance as a framework that guards against the harms it causes.

"Prediction markets ask people to bet on outcomes instead of building something real," said Kal Elsayed, President and CEO of Guidance Residential. "Islamic finance was built on the opposite idea: that wealth should come from ownership, risk-sharing, and real assets, not speculation. That's the foundation we think more of the industry needs right now."

The full article is available for download on Guidance Residential's website.

download the pdf

About Guidance Residential

Guidance Residential is the #1 U.S. Islamic home financing provider, having provided more than $10 billion in financing to more than 40,000 families since 2002. Its unique Declining Balance Co-ownership Program was developed with leading Islamic scholars and 18 U.S. law firms to ensure strict adherence to Islamic jurisprudence while conforming to U.S. legal and regulatory requirements. Rather than a lender-borrower relationship, homebuyers enter an equitable partnership contract and enjoy the benefits of homeownership without compromising their faith-based principles.

Media Contact: communications@guidanceresidential.com