Cross-Market Surveillance

Definition ∞ Cross-market surveillance involves monitoring trading activities across multiple financial markets to detect manipulation and illicit behavior. This practice aims to identify suspicious patterns that span different exchanges, asset classes, or jurisdictions, including both traditional and digital asset markets. It helps regulatory authorities and market operators maintain fair and orderly trading conditions. The objective is to protect investors and uphold market integrity by identifying abuses such as wash trading or pump-and-dump schemes.
Context ∞ Cross-market surveillance is a key discussion point in regulatory efforts to oversee the rapidly evolving digital asset sector. News frequently reports on calls from regulators for enhanced data sharing and cooperation among crypto exchanges and traditional financial institutions. The absence of comprehensive surveillance capabilities across fragmented crypto markets presents a significant challenge for investor protection. Future legislative actions and technological advancements are expected to improve these monitoring abilities.