Why Do Large Institutions Prefer OTC Markets for Executing Massive Cryptocurrency Block Trades?
Institutions use OTC markets to execute large trades without causing significant price movements, a phenomenon known as 'slippage' or 'market impact.' Since OTC trades are negotiated privately, the transaction volume is not immediately visible on public exchange order books. This allows for discreet, efficient execution at an agreed-upon price, preserving the integrity of their trading strategy.
Glossar
Otc Markets
Market ⎊ The segment of the cryptocurrency ecosystem where trading occurs directly between two principals without the use of a centralized exchange order book, often involving bilateral agreements for customized derivatives.
OTC Trades
Structure ⎊ OTC trades, within cryptocurrency and derivatives, represent privately negotiated agreements bypassing public exchanges, offering bespoke terms unavailable in standardized markets.
Large Trades
Execution ⎊ Large trades, within cryptocurrency and derivatives markets, represent order flow significantly impacting short-term liquidity and price discovery, often originating from institutional investors or high-frequency trading firms.