In a
comprehensive analysis of the cryptocurrency market, the European Securities
and Markets Authority (ESMA) has revealed the highly concentrated nature
of crypto trading and the potential risks it poses to the broader financial
ecosystem.
The report,
released on Wednesday, comes as the European Union prepares to implement the
world’s first extensive regulatory framework for cryptoassets, dubbed MiCA.
According
to ESMA’s findings, a mere ten exchanges handle approximately 90% of all
cryptocurrency trades, with Binance, the largest exchange, accounting for an
astonishing 50% of the market. The recent Finance Magnates Intelligence study confirms the market watchdog data, showing
the increasing volumes of the TOP 10 crypto exchanges.
While this level of concentration is potentially beneficial from an efficiency standpoint, it raises significant concerns about the implications of a failure or malfunction
at a major exchange.
“The top 10
exchanges execute around 90% of total trading volume and, with a volume of over
USD 3.7 trillion or a market share of 49%, Binance is the largest exchange,”
ESMA commented in its report. “The runner-up, Upbit, recorded only about a seventh
of this volume.
A recent report by #ESMA analyses the dynamics of crypto asset trading and how they compare to #TradFi markets.
Here’s a TL;DR 👇🧵 pic.twitter.com/ZFAWHwO9iL
— European Crypto Initiative (@EuCInitiative) April 10, 2024
This
concentration has increased over the years. In 2019, it was 54%, and currently,
according to ESMA, it has risen to 73%.
|
Year |
TOP 5 |
|
2018 |
68% |
|
2019 |
54% |
|
2020 |
59% |
|
2021 |
63% |
|
2022 |
65% |
|
2023 |
73% |
Euro Is Not Important in
Crypto Transactions
The report
also reveals that the euro plays only a minor role in cryptocurrency trading,
with most transactions occurring outside the EU at exchanges domiciled in tax
havens.
“The
distribution of involved fiat money reflects a high reliance on the US dollar
and the South Korean won as the market’s on- and off-ramp,” ESMA explained. “The
euro only plays a minor role and the announcement of the MiCA regulation has
not caused an increase in euro transactions so far.”
▶ USD and South Korean Won are predominant, while the Euro plays a minor role. #MiCA has not affected Euro transactions significantly.
— European Crypto Initiative (@EuCInitiative) April 10, 2024
Furthermore,
ESMA debunks the notion that cryptocurrencies serve as a safe haven during
times of market stress, noting a co-movement with equities and no…
