Get the weekly summary of crypto market analysis, news, and forecasts! This Week’s Summary The crypto market ends the week at a total market capitalization of $1,09 trillion. Bitcoin is up by over 2% to reach around $27,200. Ethereum increased by nearly 6% to close to $1,700. XRP gained almost 2% in value during a highly volatile week. Almost all altcoins are trading in the green, with virtually no exceptions. The DeFi sector maintains the total value of protocols (TVL)…
What Is Front Running in Crypto Trading?
Front running in crypto trading refers to using privileged information or advanced trading tools to gain an unfair advantage in the market.
For example, suppose a trader has access to information about a large buy order that is about to be placed on a crypto exchange. They may use that information to buy the same cryptocurrency at a lower price before the large buy order is executed to sell it at a higher price after the order is filled. This allows the trader to profit at the expense of the person placing the large buy order.
A practical example of front running in crypto trading would be:
- A large institutional investor plans to buy 10,000 Bitcoins on a crypto exchange.
- A trader with inside information about the large buy order buys 1000 Bitcoins on the same exchange before the large order is placed.
- The institutional investor places a large buy order, driving up the price of Bitcoin.
- The trader then sells the 1000 Bitcoins he bought earlier at a higher price than he paid, earning a profit.
Front running is illegal in traditional stock markets, and crypto markets also have regulations to prevent such activities, but it can be difficult to detect and prevent.
How to Spot Front Running in Crypto
There are several ways to spot front running in crypto trading:
- Unusual trading volume: A sudden increase in trading volume for a particular cryptocurrency, especially if a sharp price increase accompanies it, could indicate that front running is taking place.
- Price manipulation: If the price of a cryptocurrency is artificially inflated or deflated, it could be a sign that front runners are manipulating the market.
- Insider trading: If a trader has access to privileged information about a large buy or sell order, they may use that information to front run the market.
- Illegal activities: Some traders may use illegal methods, such as hacking or exploiting vulnerabilities in the trading platform, to gain an unfair advantage.
- Order book analysis: Observing an exchange’s order book can give insights about large orders that are placed, and if they are executed in a short time, it could mean front running is taking place.
These signs do not necessarily indicate front running and can have other explanations. Still, they are important to be aware of, and if you suspect front running, report it to the exchange.