Definition ∞ Predatory trading describes market behaviors where one participant attempts to profit by exploiting vulnerabilities or inefficiencies created by other traders. This can involve tactics like spoofing, wash trading, or manipulating order books to induce unfavorable price movements for others. Such practices are generally considered unethical and often illegal in regulated financial markets. They undermine market fairness and can lead to significant losses for less sophisticated participants.
Context ∞ Predatory trading remains a persistent concern in less regulated or nascent digital asset markets, posing risks to fair price discovery. Discussions frequently address the challenges of detecting and preventing such activities across diverse, global trading platforms. A key debate involves the effectiveness of current regulatory tools and technological solutions in curbing market manipulation. Future developments include enhanced surveillance systems and clearer regulatory guidelines aimed at protecting market integrity.