Market Intermediaries

Definition ∞ Market intermediaries are entities that facilitate transactions and interactions between buyers and sellers in financial markets. These include exchanges, brokers, custodians, and payment processors. They provide essential services such as liquidity provision, price discovery, and secure asset transfer. Intermediaries play a critical role in the efficient functioning of traditional financial systems.
Context ∞ In the digital asset sector, market intermediaries include centralized exchanges, decentralized exchanges (DEXs), and various service providers that bridge users to blockchain networks. News frequently reports on the regulatory status and operational security of these entities, particularly centralized exchanges. A key debate involves the role of intermediaries in a decentralized future, with some arguing for their continued necessity for user access and others advocating for purely peer-to-peer systems. Their presence significantly shapes the accessibility and regulatory landscape of digital assets.