Definition ∞ Bid Hiding refers to a strategy in financial markets where a portion of a buy order’s size is concealed from public view. This practice allows traders to execute large orders without revealing their full intent, thereby reducing potential market impact. It helps prevent other market participants from front-running or manipulating prices against the hidden order. This tactic is used to achieve better execution prices for substantial trades.
Context ∞ Bid Hiding is a debated practice in both traditional and digital asset markets concerning market fairness and transparency. While it offers benefits to large institutional traders, concerns persist regarding its potential to obscure true market depth. Regulatory bodies frequently review such trading mechanisms to ensure equitable market access and prevent manipulative behaviors. The ongoing discussion seeks a balance between liquidity provision and market integrity.