智通财经网·2025-07-30 23:03Core Viewpoint - Cryptocurrency trading is primarily dominated by hedge funds and retail investors, facilitated through top centralized exchanges, with significant regulatory developments enhancing compliance and service offerings in the sector [1][2][3]. Group 1: Cryptocurrency Trading Dynamics - As of Q2 2025, 69% of Bitcoin is expected to be held by individuals, while approximately 80% of trading volume is driven by institutional investors such as hedge funds, leaving retail investors with only 20% of the trading volume [1][2]. - Major centralized exchanges like Binance, MEXC, and HTX are estimated to account for 50% of global trading volume, serving as crucial liquidity centers [1][2]. Group 2: Regulatory Developments - The EU introduced the MiCA regulation in June 2023, allowing securities firms to register as Crypto Asset Service Providers (CASP) to offer various services including custody and trading [3]. - The U.S. House Rules Committee passed a cryptocurrency bill on July 14, 2025, enabling brokers to register with the CFTC as Digital Commodity Exchanges (DCE) and engage in trading and market-making activities [3]. - The Hong Kong SFC's A-S-P-I-RE roadmap allows securities firms to apply for licenses to operate digital asset trading platforms or act as intermediaries [3]. - New regulations in Singapore require digital token service providers to register as DTSPs to conduct digital token trading and related services [3]. Group 3: Internet Brokerage and Liquidity Provision - Internet brokerages leverage their retail customer flow to provide liquidity to exchanges, enhancing their business models [4]. - The Payment for Order Flow (PFOF) model allows brokerages like Robinhood to package customer orders and sell them to market makers, generating spreads while offering commission-free trading to retail clients [4]. - Firms like Futu and Tiger Brokers connect retail customer flow to exchanges, charging lower fees (0.08%-0.05%) compared to exchange trading fees (0.1%-0.3%) [4]. - The PFOF model retains customer assets within brokerage accounts, facilitating the expansion of business scenarios, including crypto asset staking and self-custody wallets [4].