University of Toronto Mississauga is set to host an online session on prediction markets on Tuesday, October 20, 2026, featuring Professor Andreas Park. The event will examine how these “yes or no” contracts work, how they differ from traditional sportsbooks, and why they are drawing attention across finance, technology and economics.
Key facts
- The session is titled “Prediction Markets” and is presented by the University of Toronto Mississauga.
- It takes place on Tuesday, October 20, 2026, from 7:00 p.m. to 8:00 p.m. ET.
- The format is online and on-demand via Zoom.
- Professor Andreas Park will give the presentation and take part in a live moderated Q&A.
- The topic covers prediction markets, their history, and their advantages and drawbacks.
What this means for students and researchers
For students, researchers and anyone following financial markets, the event offers a focused look at prediction markets as trading platforms for real-world outcomes. The session is positioned at the intersection of AI, finance, technology and economics, making it relevant to people interested in how market design and information pricing are changing.
The practical value is in the combination of a presentation and a live moderated question-and-answer period. Attendees will hear Park discuss how prediction markets compare with bookmaker-style betting, including the dynamic pricing and cash-out features that distinguish them. The online Zoom format also makes the event accessible without an in-person visit, and the on-demand access means it is not limited to a single live viewing window.
- Date: Tuesday, October 20, 2026
- Time: 7:00 p.m. to 8:00 p.m. ET
- Format: Online and on-demand via Zoom
- Speaker: Andreas Park
What are prediction markets?
Prediction markets are trading platforms where participants buy and sell “Yes or No” contracts tied to real-world events. In the University of Toronto Mississauga description, examples include questions such as whether the Bank of Canada will hike interest rates in 2026 or whether oil will drop below $55 USD next month.
Unlike traditional sportsbooks, where odds are fixed by a bookmaker, prediction markets work more like peer-to-peer stock exchanges. Prices move with supply and demand, which allows traders to adjust their positions as information changes.
Why is this topic drawing attention now?
Park’s talk places prediction markets in a broader conversation about market design and the flow of information. The session notes that these platforms sit at the crossroads of AI, finance, technology and economics, reflecting growing interest in how markets can aggregate expectations about political, economic and commodity outcomes.
The event also highlights the trade-offs involved. The announcement points to both advantages and drawbacks, suggesting the discussion will not be limited to the mechanics of trading but will also consider limitations and risks.
Who is Andreas Park?
Andreas Park’s research spans empirical and theoretical topics in financial markets. His empirical work includes market impact, maker-taker pricing, dark orders and high-frequency trading, while his theoretical research includes herd behaviour in financial markets and the effects of different trading mechanisms.
He has published in journals including Econometrica, the Journal of Finance and the Journal of Financial and Quantitative Analysis. Park has also received and served as an affiliate on research grants including support from the ESRC, SSHRC and GRI, and he has served as co-director of the Master of Financial Economics program at the University of Toronto.
What else does Park teach and study?
Park teaches Market Microstructure, Trading, Investments, Asset Pricing and Corporate Finance. His current research focuses primarily on high-frequency trading and recent changes to market structure in Canadian markets.
He is also a member of the Ontario Securities Commission’s Market Structure Advisory Committee, underscoring the policy relevance of his work on trading and market structure.
Frequently asked questions
When is the University of Toronto Mississauga prediction markets event?
The event is scheduled for Tuesday, October 20, 2026, from 7:00 p.m. to 8:00 p.m. ET.
How can people attend the session?
The session is listed as online and on-demand through Zoom, allowing attendees to join virtually.
