Core Insights - The article discusses the potential for internet brokers to expand their services in cryptocurrency trading, leveraging retail customer flow to provide liquidity to exchanges [1][3] - Regulatory frameworks in various countries are evolving, allowing brokers to legally offer cryptocurrency trading services [2] Group 1: Cryptocurrency Trading Landscape - Cryptocurrency trading is primarily led by hedge funds and retail investors, with 69% of Bitcoin held by individuals as of Q2 2025, while institutional investors account for approximately 80% of trading volume [1] - Major centralized exchanges like Binance and MEXC dominate the market, accounting for about 50% of global trading volume [1] Group 2: Regulatory Developments - The EU introduced the MiCA regulation in June 2023, enabling securities firms to register as crypto asset service providers (CASP) [2] - The U.S. House of Representatives passed a cryptocurrency bill in July 2025, allowing brokers to register with the CFTC as digital commodity exchanges (DCE) and engage in various trading activities [2] - Hong Kong's SFC proposed the A-S-P-I-RE roadmap, allowing securities firms to apply for licenses to operate digital asset trading platforms [2] - Singapore's new regulations require digital token service providers (DTSP) to register for conducting digital token services [2] Group 3: Internet Brokers' Business Models - Internet brokers are capitalizing on their retail customer flow to provide liquidity to exchanges, with Robinhood utilizing a Payment for Order Flow (PFOF) model to package and sell customer orders to market makers [3] - This model allows brokers to offer commission-free trading while generating revenue from the spread [3] - The PFOF model also facilitates the retention of customer assets within brokerage accounts, enabling the expansion of business scenarios such as crypto asset staking and self-custody wallets [3]