Definition ∞ A large investor, often referred to as a “whale” in cryptocurrency markets, is an individual or entity holding a substantial quantity of a particular digital asset. These participants possess significant capital, allowing their trading activities to exert considerable influence on market prices and liquidity. Their movements, such as large acquisitions or dispositions, are closely monitored by other market participants. Such investors can significantly impact market sentiment and trends.
Context ∞ The actions of large investors are a frequent subject of analysis in crypto news, as their trades can trigger notable price swings and signal broader market shifts. On-chain analytics tools are often used to track the wallets associated with these entities, providing insights into potential future market directions. A key debate centers on the extent to which the concentration of assets among a few large investors affects the decentralization and stability of digital asset markets.