Market Makers

Definition ∞ Market makers are entities that provide liquidity to financial markets by placing both buy and sell orders. These participants continuously quote prices at which they are willing to purchase and sell specific assets, thereby narrowing the bid-ask spread and facilitating smoother trading for other market participants. Their operations are vital for maintaining market depth and reducing price volatility across various exchanges, including those for digital assets. Market makers play a crucial role in price discovery and order execution efficiency.
Context ∞ The role of market makers is central to the operational efficiency of both traditional and digital asset exchanges, influencing liquidity and price stability. Regulatory bodies are increasingly scrutinizing market making activities in crypto to ensure fair practices and prevent market manipulation. The ongoing discussion involves adapting existing regulatory frameworks to the unique characteristics of decentralized market making protocols.