Self-Trading Attack

Definition ∞ A self-trading attack, also known as wash trading, occurs when an individual or entity simultaneously acts as both the buyer and seller of an asset to manipulate trading volume or create a misleading impression of market activity. This deceptive practice aims to generate artificial liquidity, inflate trading statistics, or influence an asset’s price. Such attacks are often used to attract unsuspecting traders or meet exchange listing requirements. It undermines market integrity and fair price discovery.
Context ∞ Reports on market manipulation and regulatory enforcement in the cryptocurrency space sometimes cover self-trading attacks, particularly concerning less liquid exchanges or smaller digital assets. News often highlights efforts by regulators and exchanges to detect and prevent such practices to ensure fair and transparent markets. Understanding self-trading attacks is crucial for discerning genuine market activity from artificial manipulation, providing important context for assessing the integrity of reported trading volumes.