Retail Investors

Definition ∞ Individual, non-professional participants who trade or hold digital assets for their personal accounts. These individuals typically engage in smaller-scale transactions compared to institutional entities. Retail investors often make investment decisions based on publicly available information, market sentiment, or personal research. Their participation is a significant driver of market liquidity and price movements in many digital asset markets.
Context ∞ The role of retail investors in the cryptocurrency market is a frequent subject in news reports, particularly concerning market volatility and regulatory discussions. Protecting these investors from fraud and undue risk remains a key concern for regulators globally. Educational initiatives and clear disclosure requirements are often debated as methods to enhance their market understanding and decision-making capabilities.