[{"data":1,"prerenderedAt":-1},["ShallowReactive",2],{"blog-article-en-otc-crypto-trading-explained-how-over-the-counter-bitcoin-deals-work":3},{"post":4,"related_posts":163},{"id":5,"slug":6,"title":7,"title_html":7,"content":8,"content_html":9,"excerpt":10,"excerpt_html":11,"link":12,"date":13,"author":14,"author_slug":15,"author_link":16,"featured_image":17,"lang":18,"faq":19,"yoast_head_json":33,"tags":136,"translation_slugs":162},53940,"otc-crypto-trading-explained-how-over-the-counter-bitcoin-deals-work","OTC Crypto Trading Explained: How Over-the-Counter Bitcoin Deals Work","IntroductionWhat Is OTC in Crypto?What Is OTC Trading in Crypto?How OTC Crypto Trading WorksBitcoin OTC Market ExplainedOTC Bitcoin Trading vs Exchange TradingWho Uses OTC Crypto Trading?Risks of OTC Crypto TradingOTC vs Exchange: Detailed ComparisonHow to Choose an OTC DeskFuture of OTC Crypto TradingKey TakeawaysExpert InsightConclusion\nIntroduction\nWhen you need to buy Bitcoin worth several million dollars, a standard exchange becomes a liability, not a solution. A large order is visible to every market participant, moves the price, and draws unwanted attention. This is where OTC begins — the over-the-counter crypto market, where large deals close directly, without a public order book.\nOTC crypto trading is not an unconventional market. It is the standard tool of institutional investors, hedge funds, mining companies, and high-net-worth individuals. By some estimates, over-the-counter volume is comparable to exchange volume — and in certain periods exceeds it. Yet most retail investors have no clear picture of how this market actually works.\nThis article covers the full picture: what OTC means in crypto, how deals happen, who participates, and what risks to account for.\nWhat Is OTC in Crypto?\nOTC (Over-the-Counter) in cryptocurrency refers to trading digital assets directly between buyer and seller, bypassing a public exchange. The trade does not pass through an open order book and is not recorded in real-time public volume data.\nWhat does OTC mean in crypto, in plain terms? Imagine you want to buy a large block of Bitcoin. On an exchange, that order will move the price upward as it fills: the market sees demand and reacts. In OTC, you negotiate directly with a counterparty — fixing the price, volume, and settlement terms before any money or coins change hands.\nOTC crypto is not a grey market. Major OTC desks operate within legal frameworks, run KYC and AML procedures, and work with licensed brokers. The difference from an exchange is not in legality — it is in trade mechanics.\n\nWhat Is OTC Trading in Crypto?\nOver-the-Counter Trading Definition\nOTC crypto trading is a system where participants conclude deals directly through a broker or specialized OTC desk, bypassing centralized exchange infrastructure.\nIn traditional finance, over-the-counter trading covers small-company equities, bonds, derivatives, and currencies. In crypto, the OTC market formed as a response to exchange model limitations: insufficient liquidity for large volumes and the price slippage problem.\nThe key point: OTC trading crypto is not an alternative exchange — it is a fundamentally different mechanism. An exchange matches anonymous participants through an automated engine. OTC is a negotiation between specific parties, where trade terms are agreed before execution.\nDirect Buyer–Seller Transactions\nThe essence of OTC is direct contact between parties. Buyer and seller agree on terms without exchange algorithm intermediation. This creates several advantages.\nFirst, the price is fixed in advance. An exchange order executes at the market price at the moment of matching, which can differ from what was expected. In OTC, the parties agree on a specific number.\nSecond, large volume does not pressure the market. Buying 500 BTC on an exchange will likely move the price. The same deal in OTC happens outside the order book and leaves no trace in exchange data.\nThird, settlement terms are flexible. OTC allows negotiating non-standard delivery timelines, partial payments, and other parameters unavailable on a standard exchange.\nRole of Brokers and Desks\nDirect deals between unknown parties carry risk: who pays first? OTC brokers and specialized desks solve this problem.\nAn OTC desk is a division of a major exchange or a standalone company that acts as a market maker — buying from the seller and selling to the buyer, absorbing the risk of temporarily holding the asset. Major desks operate within Binance, Coinbase, Kraken, and other platforms. Independent OTC brokers also exist, focusing exclusively on this segment.\nThe broker earns on the spread between buy and sell prices. The larger the deal, the tighter the spread — the inverse of the exchange model, where large orders cost more due to slippage.\nHow OTC Crypto Trading Works\nTrade Negotiation Process\nAn OTC deal begins with a request. The client approaches a desk or broker specifying the asset, volume, and desired direction (buy or sell). The desk provides a quote — the price at which it is prepared to close the deal immediately or within an agreed timeframe.\nA quote is valid for a limited time — usually seconds to minutes. The market moves, and the desk cannot hold a price open indefinitely. If the client accepts the quote, the deal is considered concluded.\nDuring negotiation, additional terms are discussed: settlement currency (fiat or crypto), delivery timelines, transfer method. For large deals, these details are agreed before price confirmation.\nPrice Agreement\nOTC pricing is anchored to market indexes but does not match them exactly. The desk references the volume-weighted average price across several exchanges, adding a spread for liquidity and risk.\nFor very large volumes, the price may be below market — the desk is motivated by the deal and ready to offer a discount. For non-standard assets with low liquidity, the price will be higher.\nAn important point: OTC has no “best price” principle as on an exchange. Different desks will quote differently for the same volume. Large participants request multiple quotes simultaneously and choose the best — this is standard practice.\nSettlement and Transfer\nAfter agreeing on price, the parties move to settlement. The mechanics depend on participant type and established relationships.\nWith an OTC desk at a major exchange, settlement often runs through internal accounts: both buyer and seller hold assets on the platform, and the exchange records the movement between accounts. This is fast and requires no blockchain transaction.\nWith an independent broker, the scheme is more complex: an escrow service or atomic swap is used. The broker or third party holds both parties’ assets until all deal conditions are confirmed, then simultaneously transfers crypto to the buyer and fiat to the seller.\nSettlement timelines vary. Small OTC deals close in minutes. Large transactions above $10M can take from several hours to a full day — especially when bank transfers are involved on the fiat side.\nBitcoin OTC Market Explained\nBitcoin is the most liquid asset on the crypto OTC market. Its dominance is simple to explain: BTC was the first to attract institutional investors, and the over-the-counter infrastructure formed around it.\nThe Bitcoin OTC market splits into two segments. The first is institutional desks working with volumes from $100,000 and above. The second is peer-to-peer platforms where private individuals trade directly through smart contracts or platform guarantees.\nThe institutional segment centers on large custodial services and banks. Genesis Trading, Cumberland DRW, and B2C2 have historically been the largest players. Their clients are hedge funds, corporate treasuries, and mining companies realizing mined Bitcoin without pressuring exchange prices.\nThe P2P segment is more accessible but carries more risk: the counterparty is less verified, and the protective infrastructure is weaker. Platforms like LocalBitcoins (now closed) and Bisq operated in this segment.\n\nOTC Bitcoin Trading vs Exchange Trading\nThe key differences between OTC and exchange trading come down to several parameters.\nTrade size. Exchanges handle retail volume well. OTC caters to large transactions — standard entry thresholds run from $50,000 to $250,000.\nSlippage. On an exchange, a large order consumes liquidity from the order book, and the average execution price worsens as volume increases. In OTC, the price is fixed across the entire volume.\nTransparency. Exchange trades are public — volume, price, and time are visible to all. OTC trades do not appear in exchange data. This matters for large players who do not want to signal their positions to the market.\nAnonymity. On an exchange, you trade anonymously through an algorithm. In OTC, the counterparty is known, and KYC is mandatory.\nSpeed. An exchange deal executes instantly. OTC negotiations take time — from minutes to hours for large volumes.\nWho Uses OTC Crypto Trading?\nThe OTC participant profile is fairly consistent. This is not a retail investor with $1,000, nor a day trader using leverage. The OTC market serves a specific segment.\nInstitutional investors — hedge funds, venture firms, and asset managers — use OTC to build large positions without market impact. Buying $20M of BTC through an exchange leaves a noticeable trace. In OTC, the same deal passes quietly.\nMining companies sell mined Bitcoin regularly and in large volumes. OTC allows selling extracted coins at a fixed price without crashing the market.\nCorporate treasuries — companies adding Bitcoin to corporate reserves, as MicroStrategy and other public companies have done — work through OTC desks to execute large purchases.\nHigh-net-worth individuals (HNWI) with capital starting from several million dollars also use OTC — for privacy, personalized service, and access to off-exchange liquidity.\nCrypto projects and funds sell tokens to early investors or conduct private rounds through OTC infrastructure — without listing on public exchanges.\nRisks of OTC Crypto Trading\nThe OTC market solves some exchange problems but creates its own. These need to be understood before entering the first deal.\nCounterparty risk is the primary OTC risk. On an exchange, you trade with a platform that guarantees execution. In OTC, you trade with a specific company or person. If the counterparty turns out to be fraudulent or technically unable to fulfill obligations, protection depends on the deal mechanism and jurisdiction.\nSolution: work only with verified desks and use escrow for unfamiliar counterparties.\nPricing risk. OTC quotes are opaque — there is no single order book showing a “fair price.” An inexperienced participant may receive a quote with a significant spread and have no reference for comparison.\nSolution: request quotes from multiple desks simultaneously.\nRegulatory risk. The OTC market is regulated differently across jurisdictions. In some countries, OTC brokers must obtain licenses and comply with AML requirements. Ignorance of local regulation can create legal problems.\nLiquidity risk with non-traditional assets. Bitcoin and Ethereum are liquid in OTC. Lesser-known tokens are not. A desk may decline to quote or offer unfavorable terms.\nOperational risk. Large fiat transfers through banks can be delayed or blocked by AML checks. This is especially relevant for first-time deals with a new desk.\nOTC vs Exchange: Detailed Comparison\nTo better understand OTC’s place in the crypto ecosystem, the key parameters merit closer examination.\nLiquidity and market depth. A major exchange like Binance processes tens of billions of dollars daily, but this liquidity spreads across hundreds of pairs and thousands of small orders. For a single $5M deal, exchange depth may be insufficient: the order will consume several order book levels, and the average execution price will be noticeably worse than the quote at submission. An OTC desk aggregates liquidity from multiple sources and offers a single fixed price for the entire volume.\nTransaction privacy. On a public blockchain, all transactions are visible. But exchange trading data — volume, price, trade timing — is also publicly available through APIs. A large participant regularly buying Bitcoin through an exchange creates a recognizable pattern. OTC deals do not appear in exchange data. The blockchain transfer is still visible, but harder to connect to specific trading activity.\nPersonalized service. An exchange is an algorithm. An OTC desk is a relationship with a specific manager who understands your needs and can structure a deal for non-standard requirements: split a large volume into tranches, arrange settlement in multiple currencies, or offer a forward contract for future delivery.\nAvailability. An exchange runs around the clock automatically. An OTC desk involves people, and while major desks operate 24\u002F7, in practice some operations depend on team availability. For urgent transactions outside business hours, an exchange is more reliable.\nHow to Choose an OTC Desk\nChoosing an OTC trading partner is not a decision to make in haste. Several criteria help navigate the options.\nReputation and track record. Work with desks whose market history is measured in years, not months. Reviews from other institutional clients, presence in industry media, and public information about the team are all important signals.\nQuote competitiveness. Compare quotes from several desks on the same volume. The spread difference can be substantial. A desk that consistently provides better quotes is likely working with more counterparties and has wider liquidity access.\nSettlement mechanism. Clarify exactly how final settlement works: through internal platform accounts, third-party escrow, or direct transfer. For a first deal with an unfamiliar desk, escrow is mandatory.\nKYC requirements and limits. Verified desks will request documents confirming identity and source of funds. This is not a drawback — it is a reliability indicator. A desk that does not require KYC represents elevated regulatory risk.\nSupported assets and fiat currencies. Confirm the desk works with the asset you need and accepts settlement in your currency. Most major desks work with BTC and ETH. A broader asset list is an advantage, but not critical for all participants.\nFuture of OTC Crypto Trading\nThe OTC crypto market continues to grow alongside institutional interest in the sector. Several trends are shaping its development.\nInstitutionalization is accelerating. The launch of Bitcoin ETFs in the US opened the crypto market to pension funds and conservative asset managers. Some of this capital comes through exchange-traded products, some through OTC desks. Institutional OTC volume will continue growing.\nRegulation is becoming clearer. Jurisdictions that previously ignored the OTC market are introducing licensing and reporting requirements. This raises the entry barrier, but simultaneously reduces counterparty risk for participants on both sides.\nSettlement technology is improving. OTC infrastructure is gradually adopting atomic swaps and smart contracts to enable settlement without a trusted escrow. This reduces counterparty risk and speeds final settlement.\nThe line between exchange and OTC is blurring. Major exchanges are developing their own OTC desks, offering institutional clients personalized service without leaving the platform. Hybrid models combining exchange liquidity with OTC pricing are becoming the standard for professional market participants.\nKey Takeaways\n\nOTC crypto trading is the trading of digital assets directly between buyer and seller through a broker or desk, outside the public exchange order book.\nThe main OTC advantage is the absence of price slippage on large volumes. The deal executes at a pre-agreed price across the entire volume.\nThe Bitcoin OTC market serves institutional investors, mining companies, corporate treasuries, and high-net-worth individuals.\nA deal moves through three stages: negotiation and quote, price agreement, settlement and asset transfer.\nThe primary OTC risk is counterparty risk. Work only with verified desks and use escrow when established relationships are absent.\nThe OTC market grows alongside institutional crypto adoption and will remain a key instrument for large market participants.\n\nExpert Insight\nAnalysts at Chainalysis have noted in industry reports that institutional OTC desks historically represent a significant portion of total cryptocurrency trading volume — and that figure continues to grow as traditional financial institutions increase their exposure to digital assets.\nThis observation accurately reflects market structure: public exchange volumes are only the visible part of the iceberg. A substantial portion of real cryptocurrency turnover moves through OTC channels, which do not appear in conventional volume charts. Understanding this part of the market is an essential skill for any participant working with serious volume.\nConclusion\nOTC crypto trading is not a complicated version of exchange trading. It is a different market with different mechanics, different participants, and different risks.\nFor a retail investor with modest capital, an exchange is more convenient and accessible. But as volume and privacy requirements grow, OTC shifts from an option to a necessity. Major capital enters and exits Bitcoin through over-the-counter desks — without leaving traces in public data.\nUnderstanding how the OTC market works is useful even for those who will never use it directly. Large OTC deals influence pricing, shape trends, and explain market movements that otherwise appear inexplicable.","\u003Cdiv id=\"ez-toc-container\" class=\"ez-toc-v2_0_76 counter-hierarchy ez-toc-counter ez-toc-transparent ez-toc-container-direction\">\n\u003Cdiv class=\"ez-toc-title-container\">\n\u003Cspan class=\"ez-toc-title-toggle\">\u003C\u002Fspan>\u003C\u002Fdiv>\n\u003Cnav>\u003Cul class='ez-toc-list ez-toc-list-level-1 ' >\u003Cli class='ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-2'>\u003Ca class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-1\" href=\"https:\u002F\u002Fecos.am\u002Fen\u002Fblog\u002Fotc-crypto-trading-explained-how-over-the-counter-bitcoin-deals-work#Introduction\" >Introduction\u003C\u002Fa>\u003C\u002Fli>\u003Cli class='ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-2'>\u003Ca class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-2\" href=\"https:\u002F\u002Fecos.am\u002Fen\u002Fblog\u002Fotc-crypto-trading-explained-how-over-the-counter-bitcoin-deals-work#What_Is_OTC_in_Crypto\" >What Is OTC in Crypto?\u003C\u002Fa>\u003C\u002Fli>\u003Cli class='ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-2'>\u003Ca class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-3\" href=\"https:\u002F\u002Fecos.am\u002Fen\u002Fblog\u002Fotc-crypto-trading-explained-how-over-the-counter-bitcoin-deals-work#What_Is_OTC_Trading_in_Crypto\" >What Is OTC Trading in Crypto?\u003C\u002Fa>\u003C\u002Fli>\u003Cli class='ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-2'>\u003Ca class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-4\" href=\"https:\u002F\u002Fecos.am\u002Fen\u002Fblog\u002Fotc-crypto-trading-explained-how-over-the-counter-bitcoin-deals-work#How_OTC_Crypto_Trading_Works\" >How OTC Crypto Trading Works\u003C\u002Fa>\u003C\u002Fli>\u003Cli class='ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-2'>\u003Ca class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-5\" href=\"https:\u002F\u002Fecos.am\u002Fen\u002Fblog\u002Fotc-crypto-trading-explained-how-over-the-counter-bitcoin-deals-work#Bitcoin_OTC_Market_Explained\" >Bitcoin OTC Market Explained\u003C\u002Fa>\u003C\u002Fli>\u003Cli class='ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-2'>\u003Ca class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-6\" href=\"https:\u002F\u002Fecos.am\u002Fen\u002Fblog\u002Fotc-crypto-trading-explained-how-over-the-counter-bitcoin-deals-work#OTC_Bitcoin_Trading_vs_Exchange_Trading\" >OTC Bitcoin Trading vs Exchange Trading\u003C\u002Fa>\u003C\u002Fli>\u003Cli class='ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-2'>\u003Ca class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-7\" href=\"https:\u002F\u002Fecos.am\u002Fen\u002Fblog\u002Fotc-crypto-trading-explained-how-over-the-counter-bitcoin-deals-work#Who_Uses_OTC_Crypto_Trading\" >Who Uses OTC Crypto Trading?\u003C\u002Fa>\u003C\u002Fli>\u003Cli class='ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-2'>\u003Ca class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-8\" href=\"https:\u002F\u002Fecos.am\u002Fen\u002Fblog\u002Fotc-crypto-trading-explained-how-over-the-counter-bitcoin-deals-work#Risks_of_OTC_Crypto_Trading\" >Risks of OTC Crypto Trading\u003C\u002Fa>\u003C\u002Fli>\u003Cli class='ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-2'>\u003Ca class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-9\" href=\"https:\u002F\u002Fecos.am\u002Fen\u002Fblog\u002Fotc-crypto-trading-explained-how-over-the-counter-bitcoin-deals-work#OTC_vs_Exchange_Detailed_Comparison\" >OTC vs Exchange: Detailed Comparison\u003C\u002Fa>\u003C\u002Fli>\u003Cli class='ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-2'>\u003Ca class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-10\" href=\"https:\u002F\u002Fecos.am\u002Fen\u002Fblog\u002Fotc-crypto-trading-explained-how-over-the-counter-bitcoin-deals-work#How_to_Choose_an_OTC_Desk\" >How to Choose an OTC Desk\u003C\u002Fa>\u003C\u002Fli>\u003Cli class='ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-2'>\u003Ca class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-11\" href=\"https:\u002F\u002Fecos.am\u002Fen\u002Fblog\u002Fotc-crypto-trading-explained-how-over-the-counter-bitcoin-deals-work#Future_of_OTC_Crypto_Trading\" >Future of OTC Crypto Trading\u003C\u002Fa>\u003C\u002Fli>\u003Cli class='ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-2'>\u003Ca class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-12\" href=\"https:\u002F\u002Fecos.am\u002Fen\u002Fblog\u002Fotc-crypto-trading-explained-how-over-the-counter-bitcoin-deals-work#Key_Takeaways\" >Key Takeaways\u003C\u002Fa>\u003C\u002Fli>\u003Cli class='ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-2'>\u003Ca class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-13\" href=\"https:\u002F\u002Fecos.am\u002Fen\u002Fblog\u002Fotc-crypto-trading-explained-how-over-the-counter-bitcoin-deals-work#Expert_Insight\" >Expert Insight\u003C\u002Fa>\u003C\u002Fli>\u003Cli class='ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-2'>\u003Ca class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-14\" href=\"https:\u002F\u002Fecos.am\u002Fen\u002Fblog\u002Fotc-crypto-trading-explained-how-over-the-counter-bitcoin-deals-work#Conclusion\" >Conclusion\u003C\u002Fa>\u003C\u002Fli>\u003C\u002Ful>\u003C\u002Fnav>\u003C\u002Fdiv>\n\u003Ch2>\u003Cspan class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"Introduction\">\u003C\u002Fspan>Introduction\u003Cspan class=\"ez-toc-section-end\">\u003C\u002Fspan>\u003C\u002Fh2>\n\u003Cp>When you need to buy Bitcoin worth several million dollars, a standard exchange becomes a liability, not a solution. A large order is visible to every market participant, moves the price, and draws unwanted attention. This is where OTC begins — the over-the-counter crypto market, where large deals close directly, without a public order book.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>OTC crypto trading is not an unconventional market. It is the standard tool of institutional investors, hedge funds, mining companies, and high-net-worth individuals. By some estimates, over-the-counter volume is comparable to exchange volume — and in certain periods exceeds it. Yet most retail investors have no clear picture of how this market actually works.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>This article covers the full picture: what OTC means in crypto, how deals happen, who participates, and what risks to account for.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Ch2>\u003Cspan class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"What_Is_OTC_in_Crypto\">\u003C\u002Fspan>What Is OTC in Crypto?\u003Cspan class=\"ez-toc-section-end\">\u003C\u002Fspan>\u003C\u002Fh2>\n\u003Cp>OTC (Over-the-Counter) in cryptocurrency refers to trading digital assets directly between buyer and seller, bypassing a public exchange. The trade does not pass through an open order book and is not recorded in real-time public volume data.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>What does OTC mean in crypto, in plain terms? Imagine you want to buy a large block of Bitcoin. On an exchange, that order will move the price upward as it fills: the market sees demand and reacts. In OTC, you negotiate directly with a counterparty — fixing the price, volume, and settlement terms before any money or coins change hands.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>OTC crypto is not a grey market. Major OTC desks operate within legal frameworks, run KYC and AML procedures, and work with licensed brokers. The difference from an exchange is not in legality — it is in trade mechanics.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Ch2>\u003Cimg loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" class=\"aligncenter size-full wp-image-53943\" src=\"https:\u002F\u002Fs3.ecos.am\u002Fwp.files\u002Fwp-content\u002Fuploads\u002F2026\u002F05\u002F1-5.webp\" alt=\"What Is OTC Trading in Crypto?\" width=\"1672\" height=\"941\" srcset=\"https:\u002F\u002Fs3.ecos.am\u002Fwp.files\u002Fwp-content\u002Fuploads\u002F2026\u002F05\u002F1-5.webp 1672w, https:\u002F\u002Fs3.ecos.am\u002Fwp.files\u002Fwp-content\u002Fuploads\u002F2026\u002F05\u002F1-5-300x169.webp 300w, https:\u002F\u002Fs3.ecos.am\u002Fwp.files\u002Fwp-content\u002Fuploads\u002F2026\u002F05\u002F1-5-1024x576.webp 1024w, https:\u002F\u002Fs3.ecos.am\u002Fwp.files\u002Fwp-content\u002Fuploads\u002F2026\u002F05\u002F1-5-768x432.webp 768w, https:\u002F\u002Fs3.ecos.am\u002Fwp.files\u002Fwp-content\u002Fuploads\u002F2026\u002F05\u002F1-5-1536x864.webp 1536w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 1672px) 100vw, 1672px\" \u002F>\u003C\u002Fh2>\n\u003Ch2>\u003Cspan class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"What_Is_OTC_Trading_in_Crypto\">\u003C\u002Fspan>What Is OTC Trading in Crypto?\u003Cspan class=\"ez-toc-section-end\">\u003C\u002Fspan>\u003C\u002Fh2>\n\u003Ch3>Over-the-Counter Trading Definition\u003C\u002Fh3>\n\u003Cp>OTC crypto trading is a system where participants conclude deals directly through a broker or specialized OTC desk, bypassing centralized exchange infrastructure.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>In traditional finance, over-the-counter trading covers small-company equities, bonds, derivatives, and currencies. In crypto, the OTC market formed as a response to exchange model limitations: insufficient liquidity for large volumes and the price slippage problem.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>The key point: OTC trading crypto is not an alternative exchange — it is a fundamentally different mechanism. An exchange matches anonymous participants through an automated engine. OTC is a negotiation between specific parties, where trade terms are agreed before execution.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Ch3>Direct Buyer–Seller Transactions\u003C\u002Fh3>\n\u003Cp>The essence of OTC is direct contact between parties. Buyer and seller agree on terms without exchange algorithm intermediation. This creates several advantages.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>First, the price is fixed in advance. An exchange order executes at the market price at the moment of matching, which can differ from what was expected. In OTC, the parties agree on a specific number.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Second, large volume does not pressure the market. Buying 500 BTC on an exchange will likely move the price. The same deal in OTC happens outside the order book and leaves no trace in exchange data.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Third, settlement terms are flexible. OTC allows negotiating non-standard delivery timelines, partial payments, and other parameters unavailable on a standard exchange.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Ch3>Role of Brokers and Desks\u003C\u002Fh3>\n\u003Cp>Direct deals between unknown parties carry risk: who pays first? OTC brokers and specialized desks solve this problem.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>An OTC desk is a division of a major exchange or a standalone company that acts as a market maker — buying from the seller and selling to the buyer, absorbing the risk of temporarily holding the asset. Major desks operate within Binance, Coinbase, Kraken, and other platforms. Independent OTC brokers also exist, focusing exclusively on this segment.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>The broker earns on the spread between buy and sell prices. The larger the deal, the tighter the spread — the inverse of the exchange model, where large orders cost more due to slippage.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Ch2>\u003Cspan class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"How_OTC_Crypto_Trading_Works\">\u003C\u002Fspan>How OTC Crypto Trading Works\u003Cspan class=\"ez-toc-section-end\">\u003C\u002Fspan>\u003C\u002Fh2>\n\u003Ch3>Trade Negotiation Process\u003C\u002Fh3>\n\u003Cp>An OTC deal begins with a request. The client approaches a desk or broker specifying the asset, volume, and desired direction (buy or sell). The desk provides a quote — the price at which it is prepared to close the deal immediately or within an agreed timeframe.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>A quote is valid for a limited time — usually seconds to minutes. The market moves, and the desk cannot hold a price open indefinitely. If the client accepts the quote, the deal is considered concluded.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>During negotiation, additional terms are discussed: settlement currency (fiat or crypto), delivery timelines, transfer method. For large deals, these details are agreed before price confirmation.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Ch3>Price Agreement\u003C\u002Fh3>\n\u003Cp>OTC pricing is anchored to market indexes but does not match them exactly. The desk references the volume-weighted average price across several exchanges, adding a spread for liquidity and risk.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>For very large volumes, the price may be below market — the desk is motivated by the deal and ready to offer a discount. For non-standard assets with low liquidity, the price will be higher.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>An important point: OTC has no “best price” principle as on an exchange. Different desks will quote differently for the same volume. Large participants request multiple quotes simultaneously and choose the best — this is standard practice.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Ch3>Settlement and Transfer\u003C\u002Fh3>\n\u003Cp>After agreeing on price, the parties move to settlement. The mechanics depend on participant type and established relationships.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>With an OTC desk at a major exchange, settlement often runs through internal accounts: both buyer and seller hold assets on the platform, and the exchange records the movement between accounts. This is fast and requires no blockchain transaction.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>With an independent broker, the scheme is more complex: an escrow service or atomic swap is used. The broker or third party holds both parties’ assets until all deal conditions are confirmed, then simultaneously transfers crypto to the buyer and fiat to the seller.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Settlement timelines vary. Small OTC deals close in minutes. Large transactions above $10M can take from several hours to a full day — especially when bank transfers are involved on the fiat side.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Ch2>\u003Cspan class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"Bitcoin_OTC_Market_Explained\">\u003C\u002Fspan>Bitcoin OTC Market Explained\u003Cspan class=\"ez-toc-section-end\">\u003C\u002Fspan>\u003C\u002Fh2>\n\u003Cp>Bitcoin is the most liquid asset on the crypto OTC market. Its dominance is simple to explain: BTC was the first to attract institutional investors, and the over-the-counter infrastructure formed around it.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>The Bitcoin OTC market splits into two segments. The first is institutional desks working with volumes from $100,000 and above. The second is peer-to-peer platforms where private individuals trade directly through smart contracts or platform guarantees.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>The institutional segment centers on large custodial services and banks. Genesis Trading, Cumberland DRW, and B2C2 have historically been the largest players. Their clients are hedge funds, corporate treasuries, and mining companies realizing mined Bitcoin without pressuring exchange prices.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>The P2P segment is more accessible but carries more risk: the counterparty is less verified, and the protective infrastructure is weaker. Platforms like LocalBitcoins (now closed) and Bisq operated in this segment.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Ch2>\u003Cimg loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" class=\"aligncenter size-full wp-image-53944\" src=\"https:\u002F\u002Fs3.ecos.am\u002Fwp.files\u002Fwp-content\u002Fuploads\u002F2026\u002F05\u002F2-5.webp\" alt=\"OTC Bitcoin Trading vs Exchange Trading\" width=\"1672\" height=\"941\" srcset=\"https:\u002F\u002Fs3.ecos.am\u002Fwp.files\u002Fwp-content\u002Fuploads\u002F2026\u002F05\u002F2-5.webp 1672w, https:\u002F\u002Fs3.ecos.am\u002Fwp.files\u002Fwp-content\u002Fuploads\u002F2026\u002F05\u002F2-5-300x169.webp 300w, https:\u002F\u002Fs3.ecos.am\u002Fwp.files\u002Fwp-content\u002Fuploads\u002F2026\u002F05\u002F2-5-1024x576.webp 1024w, https:\u002F\u002Fs3.ecos.am\u002Fwp.files\u002Fwp-content\u002Fuploads\u002F2026\u002F05\u002F2-5-768x432.webp 768w, https:\u002F\u002Fs3.ecos.am\u002Fwp.files\u002Fwp-content\u002Fuploads\u002F2026\u002F05\u002F2-5-1536x864.webp 1536w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 1672px) 100vw, 1672px\" \u002F>\u003C\u002Fh2>\n\u003Ch2>\u003Cspan class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"OTC_Bitcoin_Trading_vs_Exchange_Trading\">\u003C\u002Fspan>OTC Bitcoin Trading vs Exchange Trading\u003Cspan class=\"ez-toc-section-end\">\u003C\u002Fspan>\u003C\u002Fh2>\n\u003Cp>The key differences between OTC and exchange trading come down to several parameters.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Trade size. Exchanges handle retail volume well. OTC caters to large transactions — standard entry thresholds run from $50,000 to $250,000.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Slippage. On an exchange, a large order consumes liquidity from the order book, and the average execution price worsens as volume increases. In OTC, the price is fixed across the entire volume.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Transparency. Exchange trades are public — volume, price, and time are visible to all. OTC trades do not appear in exchange data. This matters for large players who do not want to signal their positions to the market.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Anonymity. On an exchange, you trade anonymously through an algorithm. In OTC, the counterparty is known, and KYC is mandatory.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Speed. An exchange deal executes instantly. OTC negotiations take time — from minutes to hours for large volumes.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Ch2>\u003Cspan class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"Who_Uses_OTC_Crypto_Trading\">\u003C\u002Fspan>Who Uses OTC Crypto Trading?\u003Cspan class=\"ez-toc-section-end\">\u003C\u002Fspan>\u003C\u002Fh2>\n\u003Cp>The OTC participant profile is fairly consistent. This is not a retail investor with $1,000, nor a day trader using leverage. The OTC market serves a specific segment.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Institutional investors — hedge funds, venture firms, and asset managers — use OTC to build large positions without market impact. Buying $20M of BTC through an exchange leaves a noticeable trace. In OTC, the same deal passes quietly.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Mining companies sell mined Bitcoin regularly and in large volumes. OTC allows selling extracted coins at a fixed price without crashing the market.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Corporate treasuries — companies adding Bitcoin to corporate reserves, as MicroStrategy and other public companies have done — work through OTC desks to execute large purchases.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>High-net-worth individuals (HNWI) with capital starting from several million dollars also use OTC — for privacy, personalized service, and access to off-exchange liquidity.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Crypto projects and funds sell tokens to early investors or conduct private rounds through OTC infrastructure — without listing on public exchanges.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Ch2>\u003Cspan class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"Risks_of_OTC_Crypto_Trading\">\u003C\u002Fspan>Risks of OTC Crypto Trading\u003Cspan class=\"ez-toc-section-end\">\u003C\u002Fspan>\u003C\u002Fh2>\n\u003Cp>The OTC market solves some exchange problems but creates its own. These need to be understood before entering the first deal.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Counterparty risk is the primary OTC risk. On an exchange, you trade with a platform that guarantees execution. In OTC, you trade with a specific company or person. If the counterparty turns out to be fraudulent or technically unable to fulfill obligations, protection depends on the deal mechanism and jurisdiction.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Solution: work only with verified desks and use escrow for unfamiliar counterparties.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Pricing risk. OTC quotes are opaque — there is no single order book showing a “fair price.” An inexperienced participant may receive a quote with a significant spread and have no reference for comparison.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Solution: request quotes from multiple desks simultaneously.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Regulatory risk. The OTC market is regulated differently across jurisdictions. In some countries, OTC brokers must obtain licenses and comply with AML requirements. Ignorance of local regulation can create legal problems.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Liquidity risk with non-traditional assets. Bitcoin and Ethereum are liquid in OTC. Lesser-known tokens are not. A desk may decline to quote or offer unfavorable terms.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Operational risk. Large fiat transfers through banks can be delayed or blocked by AML checks. This is especially relevant for first-time deals with a new desk.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Ch2>\u003Cspan class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"OTC_vs_Exchange_Detailed_Comparison\">\u003C\u002Fspan>OTC vs Exchange: Detailed Comparison\u003Cspan class=\"ez-toc-section-end\">\u003C\u002Fspan>\u003C\u002Fh2>\n\u003Cp>To better understand OTC’s place in the crypto ecosystem, the key parameters merit closer examination.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Liquidity and market depth. A major exchange like Binance processes tens of billions of dollars daily, but this liquidity spreads across hundreds of pairs and thousands of small orders. For a single $5M deal, exchange depth may be insufficient: the order will consume several order book levels, and the average execution price will be noticeably worse than the quote at submission. An OTC desk aggregates liquidity from multiple sources and offers a single fixed price for the entire volume.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Transaction privacy. On a public blockchain, all transactions are visible. But exchange trading data — volume, price, trade timing — is also publicly available through APIs. A large participant regularly buying Bitcoin through an exchange creates a recognizable pattern. OTC deals do not appear in exchange data. The blockchain transfer is still visible, but harder to connect to specific trading activity.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Personalized service. An exchange is an algorithm. An OTC desk is a relationship with a specific manager who understands your needs and can structure a deal for non-standard requirements: split a large volume into tranches, arrange settlement in multiple currencies, or offer a forward contract for future delivery.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Availability. An exchange runs around the clock automatically. An OTC desk involves people, and while major desks operate 24\u002F7, in practice some operations depend on team availability. For urgent transactions outside business hours, an exchange is more reliable.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Ch2>\u003Cspan class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"How_to_Choose_an_OTC_Desk\">\u003C\u002Fspan>How to Choose an OTC Desk\u003Cspan class=\"ez-toc-section-end\">\u003C\u002Fspan>\u003C\u002Fh2>\n\u003Cp>Choosing an OTC trading partner is not a decision to make in haste. Several criteria help navigate the options.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Reputation and track record. Work with desks whose market history is measured in years, not months. Reviews from other institutional clients, presence in industry media, and public information about the team are all important signals.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Quote competitiveness. Compare quotes from several desks on the same volume. The spread difference can be substantial. A desk that consistently provides better quotes is likely working with more counterparties and has wider liquidity access.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Settlement mechanism. Clarify exactly how final settlement works: through internal platform accounts, third-party escrow, or direct transfer. For a first deal with an unfamiliar desk, escrow is mandatory.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>KYC requirements and limits. Verified desks will request documents confirming identity and source of funds. This is not a drawback — it is a reliability indicator. A desk that does not require KYC represents elevated regulatory risk.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Supported assets and fiat currencies. Confirm the desk works with the asset you need and accepts settlement in your currency. Most major desks work with BTC and ETH. A broader asset list is an advantage, but not critical for all participants.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Ch2>\u003Cspan class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"Future_of_OTC_Crypto_Trading\">\u003C\u002Fspan>Future of OTC Crypto Trading\u003Cspan class=\"ez-toc-section-end\">\u003C\u002Fspan>\u003C\u002Fh2>\n\u003Cp>The OTC crypto market continues to grow alongside institutional interest in the sector. Several trends are shaping its development.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Institutionalization is accelerating. The launch of Bitcoin ETFs in the US opened the crypto market to pension funds and conservative asset managers. Some of this capital comes through exchange-traded products, some through OTC desks. Institutional OTC volume will continue growing.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Regulation is becoming clearer. Jurisdictions that previously ignored the OTC market are introducing licensing and reporting requirements. This raises the entry barrier, but simultaneously reduces counterparty risk for participants on both sides.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Settlement technology is improving. OTC infrastructure is gradually adopting atomic swaps and smart contracts to enable settlement without a trusted escrow. This reduces counterparty risk and speeds final settlement.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>The line between exchange and OTC is blurring. Major exchanges are developing their own OTC desks, offering institutional clients personalized service without leaving the platform. Hybrid models combining exchange liquidity with OTC pricing are becoming the standard for professional market participants.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Ch2>\u003Cspan class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"Key_Takeaways\">\u003C\u002Fspan>Key Takeaways\u003Cspan class=\"ez-toc-section-end\">\u003C\u002Fspan>\u003C\u002Fh2>\n\u003Cul>\n\u003Cli>OTC crypto trading is the trading of digital assets directly between buyer and seller through a broker or desk, outside the public exchange order book.\u003C\u002Fli>\n\u003Cli>The main OTC advantage is the absence of price slippage on large volumes. The deal executes at a pre-agreed price across the entire volume.\u003C\u002Fli>\n\u003Cli>The Bitcoin OTC market serves institutional investors, mining companies, corporate treasuries, and high-net-worth individuals.\u003C\u002Fli>\n\u003Cli>A deal moves through three stages: negotiation and quote, price agreement, settlement and asset transfer.\u003C\u002Fli>\n\u003Cli>The primary OTC risk is counterparty risk. Work only with verified desks and use escrow when established relationships are absent.\u003C\u002Fli>\n\u003Cli>The OTC market grows alongside institutional crypto adoption and will remain a key instrument for large market participants.\u003C\u002Fli>\n\u003C\u002Ful>\n\u003Ch2>\u003Cspan class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"Expert_Insight\">\u003C\u002Fspan>Expert Insight\u003Cspan class=\"ez-toc-section-end\">\u003C\u002Fspan>\u003C\u002Fh2>\n\u003Cp>Analysts at Chainalysis have noted in industry reports that institutional OTC desks historically represent a significant portion of total cryptocurrency trading volume — and that figure continues to grow as traditional financial institutions increase their exposure to digital assets.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>This observation accurately reflects market structure: public exchange volumes are only the visible part of the iceberg. A substantial portion of real cryptocurrency turnover moves through OTC channels, which do not appear in conventional volume charts. Understanding this part of the market is an essential skill for any participant working with serious volume.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Ch2>\u003Cspan class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"Conclusion\">\u003C\u002Fspan>Conclusion\u003Cspan class=\"ez-toc-section-end\">\u003C\u002Fspan>\u003C\u002Fh2>\n\u003Cp>OTC crypto trading is not a complicated version of exchange trading. It is a different market with different mechanics, different participants, and different risks.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>For a retail investor with modest capital, an exchange is more convenient and accessible. But as volume and privacy requirements grow, OTC shifts from an option to a necessity. Major capital enters and exits Bitcoin through over-the-counter desks — without leaving traces in public data.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Understanding how the OTC market works is useful even for those who will never use it directly. Large OTC deals influence pricing, shape trends, and explain market movements that otherwise appear inexplicable.\u003C\u002Fp>\n","Introduction When you need to buy Bitcoin worth several million dollars, a…","\u003Cp>Introduction When you need to buy Bitcoin worth several million dollars, a…\u003C\u002Fp>\n","https:\u002F\u002Fecos.am\u002Fen\u002Fblog\u002Fotc-crypto-trading-explained-how-over-the-counter-bitcoin-deals-work","2026-05-02T16:13:43","Alena Narinyani","a-narinyaniecos-am","https:\u002F\u002Fecos.am\u002Fauthor\u002Fa-narinyaniecos-am","https:\u002F\u002Fs3.ecos.am\u002Fwp.files\u002Fwp-content\u002Fuploads\u002F2026\u002F05\u002Fen-otc-crypto-trading-explained-how-over-the-counter-bitcoin-deals-work.webp","en",[20,24,27,30],{"title":21,"content":22,"isExpanded":23},"What is OTC in crypto?","\u003Cp>OTC (Over-the-Counter) in crypto refers to over-the-counter trading of digital assets. A deal is concluded directly between buyer and seller through a broker or specialized desk, bypassing the public exchange order book. OTC is used for large volumes where exchange execution creates unwanted price slippage.\u003C\u002Fp>\n",false,{"title":25,"content":26,"isExpanded":23},"What is the Bitcoin OTC market?","\u003Cp>The Bitcoin OTC market is the collection of platforms, desks, and brokers through which large off-exchange BTC deals are executed. It splits into an institutional segment (major desks with thresholds from $100,000) and P2P platforms for smaller participants. Bitcoin is the most liquid asset in this market.\u003C\u002Fp>\n",{"title":28,"content":29,"isExpanded":23},"Is OTC trading safe?","\u003Cp>OTC trading is safe when working with verified counterparties. Large institutional desks at leading exchanges carry low counterparty risk. When working with less established brokers, use escrow services and conduct KYC checks on the counterparty. The fundamental rule: never transfer assets before deal conditions are fulfilled.\u003C\u002Fp>\n",{"title":31,"content":32,"isExpanded":23},"What is the minimum volume for an OTC deal?","\u003Cp>The threshold depends on the specific desk. Most institutional OTC desks work from $100,000–$250,000. Some major platforms set thresholds from $500,000. P2P platforms allow significantly smaller transactions, but with higher counterparty risk.\u003C\u002Fp>\n",{"title":34,"description":35,"robots":36,"canonical":42,"og_locale":43,"og_type":44,"og_title":7,"og_description":35,"og_url":42,"og_site_name":45,"article_publisher":46,"article_modified_time":47,"og_image":48,"twitter_card":53,"twitter_site":54,"twitter_misc":55,"schema":57},"OTC Crypto Trading Explained, What It Is and How It Works","Learn what OTC trading in crypto is, how OTC Bitcoin trading works, and why large investors use over-the-counter markets instead of exchanges.",{"index":37,"follow":38,"max-snippet":39,"max-image-preview":40,"max-video-preview":41},"index","follow","max-snippet:-1","max-image-preview:large","max-video-preview:-1","https:\u002F\u002Fadmin-wp.ecos.am\u002Fen\u002Fblog\u002Fotc-crypto-trading-explained-how-over-the-counter-bitcoin-deals-work\u002F","en_US","article","Bitcoin mining: mine the BTC cryptocurrency | ECOS - Crypto investment platform","https:\u002F\u002Fwww.facebook.com\u002Fecosdefi","2026-05-05T16:26:35+00:00",[49],{"width":50,"height":51,"url":17,"type":52},1392,656,"image\u002Fwebp","summary_large_image","@ecosmining",{"Est. reading time":56},"13 minutes",{"@context":58,"@graph":59},"https:\u002F\u002Fschema.org",[60,76,88,90,104,119,130],{"@type":61,"@id":64,"isPartOf":65,"author":66,"headline":7,"datePublished":68,"dateModified":47,"mainEntityOfPage":69,"wordCount":70,"publisher":71,"image":73,"thumbnailUrl":17,"inLanguage":75},[62,63],"Article","BlogPosting","https:\u002F\u002Fadmin-wp.ecos.am\u002Fen\u002Fblog\u002Fotc-crypto-trading-explained-how-over-the-counter-bitcoin-deals-work\u002F#article",{"@id":42},{"name":14,"@id":67},"https:\u002F\u002Fadmin-wp.ecos.am\u002F#\u002Fschema\u002Fperson\u002F37c9efc5d2d61f5b52652fb26e83dfdd","2026-05-02T16:13:43+00:00",{"@id":42},2547,{"@id":72},"https:\u002F\u002Fadmin-wp.ecos.am\u002F#organization",{"@id":74},"https:\u002F\u002Fadmin-wp.ecos.am\u002Fen\u002Fblog\u002Fotc-crypto-trading-explained-how-over-the-counter-bitcoin-deals-work\u002F#primaryimage","en-US",{"@type":77,"@id":42,"url":42,"name":34,"isPartOf":78,"primaryImageOfPage":80,"image":81,"thumbnailUrl":17,"datePublished":68,"dateModified":47,"description":35,"breadcrumb":82,"inLanguage":75,"potentialAction":84},"WebPage",{"@id":79},"https:\u002F\u002Fadmin-wp.ecos.am\u002F#website",{"@id":74},{"@id":74},{"@id":83},"https:\u002F\u002Fadmin-wp.ecos.am\u002Fen\u002Fblog\u002Fotc-crypto-trading-explained-how-over-the-counter-bitcoin-deals-work\u002F#breadcrumb",[85],{"@type":86,"target":87},"ReadAction",[42],{"@type":89,"inLanguage":75,"@id":74,"url":17,"contentUrl":17,"width":50,"height":51},"ImageObject",{"@type":91,"@id":83,"itemListElement":92},"BreadcrumbList",[93,98,102],{"@type":94,"position":95,"name":96,"item":97},"ListItem",1,"Home","https:\u002F\u002Fstaging-new-landing.ecos.am\u002Fen\u002F",{"@type":94,"position":99,"name":100,"item":101},2,"Blog","https:\u002F\u002Fstaging-new-landing.ecos.am\u002Fen\u002Fblog\u002F",{"@type":94,"position":103,"name":7},3,{"@type":105,"@id":79,"url":106,"name":45,"description":107,"publisher":108,"potentialAction":109,"inLanguage":75},"WebSite","https:\u002F\u002Fadmin-wp.ecos.am\u002F","Bitcoin mining and cloud bitcoin mining",{"@id":72},[110],{"@type":111,"target":112,"query-input":115},"SearchAction",{"@type":113,"urlTemplate":114},"EntryPoint","https:\u002F\u002Fadmin-wp.ecos.am\u002F?s={search_term_string}",{"@type":116,"valueRequired":117,"valueName":118},"PropertyValueSpecification",true,"search_term_string",{"@type":120,"@id":72,"name":45,"url":106,"logo":121,"image":124,"sameAs":125},"Organization",{"@type":89,"inLanguage":75,"@id":122,"url":123,"contentUrl":123,"caption":45},"https:\u002F\u002Fadmin-wp.ecos.am\u002F#\u002Fschema\u002Flogo\u002Fimage\u002F","",{"@id":122},[46,126,127,128,129],"https:\u002F\u002Fx.com\u002Fecosmining","https:\u002F\u002Fwww.instagram.com\u002Fecos_mining","https:\u002F\u002Ft.me\u002FEcosCloudMining","https:\u002F\u002Fwww.linkedin.com\u002Fcompany\u002Fecos-am\u002F",{"@type":131,"@id":67,"name":14,"image":132,"url":135},"Person",{"@type":89,"inLanguage":75,"@id":133,"url":134,"contentUrl":134,"caption":14},"https:\u002F\u002Fadmin-wp.ecos.am\u002F#\u002Fschema\u002Fperson\u002Fimage\u002F","https:\u002F\u002Fsecure.gravatar.com\u002Favatar\u002F9ce2630151016d34afe4f85bb03e35a83954db7876e0de1a345a85033ebc8f88?s=96&d=mm&r=g","https:\u002F\u002Fadmin-wp.ecos.am\u002Fauthor\u002Fa-narinyaniecos-am\u002F",[137,142,147,152,157],{"id":138,"name":139,"slug":140,"link":141},884,"Blockchain","blockchain","https:\u002F\u002Fecos.am\u002Fen\u002Ftag\u002Fblockchain",{"id":143,"name":144,"slug":145,"link":146},2955,"Crypto","crypto","https:\u002F\u002Fecos.am\u002Fen\u002Ftag\u002Fcrypto",{"id":148,"name":149,"slug":150,"link":151},909,"Exchange","exchange","https:\u002F\u002Fecos.am\u002Fen\u002Ftag\u002Fexchange",{"id":153,"name":154,"slug":155,"link":156},1088,"Security","security","https:\u002F\u002Fecos.am\u002Fen\u002Ftag\u002Fsecurity",{"id":158,"name":159,"slug":160,"link":161},932,"Trading","trading","https:\u002F\u002Fecos.am\u002Fen\u002Ftag\u002Ftrading",{"en":6},[164,188,203,219,235,251],{"id":165,"slug":166,"title":167,"content":123,"excerpt":168,"link":169,"date":170,"author":171,"author_slug":172,"author_link":173,"author_avatar":174,"featured_image":175,"lang":18,"tags":176,"reading_time":95},51358,"bitcoin-pizza-guy-story","Bitcoin Pizza Guy: The Story Behind the First Real Bitcoin Purchase","Introduction The history of Bitcoin is full of dramatic ups and downs,...","https:\u002F\u002Fecos.am\u002Fen\u002Fblog\u002Fbitcoin-pizza-guy-story","2026-01-12 00:45:15","ECOS Team","ecos-team","https:\u002F\u002Fecos.am\u002Fen\u002Fauthors\u002Fecos-team","https:\u002F\u002Fs3.eu-central-1.amazonaws.com\u002Fwp.files\u002Fwp-content\u002Fuploads\u002F2024\u002F10\u002Flogo-1.png","https:\u002F\u002Fs3.eu-central-1.amazonaws.com\u002Fwp.files\u002Fwp-content\u002Fuploads\u002F2026\u002F01\u002Fbitcoin-pizza-guy-the-story-behind-the-first-real-bitcoin-purchase.webp",[177,182,183],{"id":178,"name":179,"slug":180,"link":181},1097,"Bitcoin","bitcoin","https:\u002F\u002Fecos.am\u002Fen\u002Ftag\u002Fbitcoin",{"id":138,"name":139,"slug":140,"link":141},{"id":184,"name":185,"slug":186,"link":187},894,"Cryptocurrency","cryptocurrency","https:\u002F\u002Fecos.am\u002Fen\u002Ftag\u002Fcryptocurrency",{"id":189,"slug":190,"title":191,"content":123,"excerpt":192,"link":193,"date":194,"author":171,"author_slug":172,"author_link":173,"author_avatar":174,"featured_image":195,"lang":18,"tags":196,"reading_time":95},51201,"the-meme-economy-how-internet-humor-shapes-culture-markets-and-crypto","The Meme Economy: How Internet Humor Shapes Culture, Markets, and Crypto","Introduction Ten years ago, the idea that a picture of a dog...","https:\u002F\u002Fecos.am\u002Fen\u002Fblog\u002Fthe-meme-economy-how-internet-humor-shapes-culture-markets-and-crypto","2025-12-29 10:42:38","https:\u002F\u002Fs3.eu-central-1.amazonaws.com\u002Fwp.files\u002Fwp-content\u002Fuploads\u002F2025\u002F12\u002Fthe-meme-economy-how-internet-humor-shapes-culture-markets-and-crypto.webp",[197,198,199],{"id":138,"name":139,"slug":140,"link":141},{"id":143,"name":144,"slug":145,"link":146},{"id":200,"name":201,"slug":201,"link":202},3161,"meme","https:\u002F\u002Fecos.am\u002Fen\u002Ftag\u002Fmeme",{"id":204,"slug":205,"title":206,"content":123,"excerpt":207,"link":208,"date":209,"author":171,"author_slug":172,"author_link":173,"author_avatar":174,"featured_image":210,"lang":18,"tags":211,"reading_time":95},51154,"what-is-the-omniverse-exploring-the-ultimate-multiversal-concept","What is the Omniverse? Exploring the Ultimate Multiversal Concept","Introduction Do you know what the omniverse is? Is this concept real?...","https:\u002F\u002Fecos.am\u002Fen\u002Fblog\u002Fwhat-is-the-omniverse-exploring-the-ultimate-multiversal-concept","2025-12-26 19:29:41","https:\u002F\u002Fs3.eu-central-1.amazonaws.com\u002Fwp.files\u002Fwp-content\u002Fuploads\u002F2025\u002F12\u002Fwhat-is-the-omniverse-exploring-the-ultimate-multiversal-concept.webp",[212,213,214],{"id":138,"name":139,"slug":140,"link":141},{"id":143,"name":144,"slug":145,"link":146},{"id":215,"name":216,"slug":217,"link":218},896,"DeFi","defi","https:\u002F\u002Fecos.am\u002Fen\u002Ftag\u002Fdefi",{"id":220,"slug":221,"title":222,"content":123,"excerpt":223,"link":224,"date":225,"author":171,"author_slug":172,"author_link":173,"author_avatar":174,"featured_image":226,"lang":18,"tags":227,"reading_time":95},51079,"bitcoin-taproot-explained-what-the-upgrade-means-for-btc","Bitcoin Taproot Explained: What the Upgrade Means for BTC","Introduction Unfortunately, the most popular cryptocurrency today – Bitcoin – was not...","https:\u002F\u002Fecos.am\u002Fen\u002Fblog\u002Fbitcoin-taproot-explained-what-the-upgrade-means-for-btc","2025-12-24 11:08:06","https:\u002F\u002Fs3.eu-central-1.amazonaws.com\u002Fwp.files\u002Fwp-content\u002Fuploads\u002F2025\u002F12\u002Fbitcoin-taproot-explained-what-the-upgrade-means-for-btc.webp",[228,229,230],{"id":178,"name":179,"slug":180,"link":181},{"id":138,"name":139,"slug":140,"link":141},{"id":231,"name":232,"slug":233,"link":234},2959,"BTC","btc","https:\u002F\u002Fecos.am\u002Fen\u002Ftag\u002Fbtc",{"id":236,"slug":237,"title":238,"content":123,"excerpt":239,"link":240,"date":241,"author":171,"author_slug":172,"author_link":173,"author_avatar":174,"featured_image":242,"lang":18,"tags":243,"reading_time":95},51352,"crypto-on-ramps-and-off-ramps-explained-how-fiat-and-crypto-move-in-and-out","Crypto On-Ramps and Off-Ramps Explained: How Fiat and Crypto Move In and Out","Entering the world of digital assets often feels like trying to cross...","https:\u002F\u002Fecos.am\u002Fen\u002Fblog\u002Fcrypto-on-ramps-and-off-ramps-explained-how-fiat-and-crypto-move-in-and-out","2026-01-13 19:37:21","https:\u002F\u002Fs3.eu-central-1.amazonaws.com\u002Fwp.files\u002Fwp-content\u002Fuploads\u002F2026\u002F01\u002Fcrypto-on-ramps-and-off-ramps-explained-how-fiat-and-crypto-move-in-and-out.webp",[244,245,250],{"id":184,"name":185,"slug":186,"link":187},{"id":246,"name":247,"slug":248,"link":249},3355,"CryptoRamps","cryptoramps","https:\u002F\u002Fecos.am\u002Fen\u002Ftag\u002Fcryptoramps",{"id":215,"name":216,"slug":217,"link":218},{"id":252,"slug":253,"title":254,"content":123,"excerpt":255,"link":256,"date":257,"author":171,"author_slug":172,"author_link":173,"author_avatar":174,"featured_image":258,"lang":18,"tags":259,"reading_time":95},51338,"crypto-basics-explained-a-beginners-guide-to-cryptocurrency-and-trading","Crypto Basics Explained: A Beginner’s Guide to Cryptocurrency and Trading","Introduction The world of finance is changing right before our eyes. Just...","https:\u002F\u002Fecos.am\u002Fen\u002Fblog\u002Fcrypto-basics-explained-a-beginners-guide-to-cryptocurrency-and-trading","2026-01-09 21:55:27","https:\u002F\u002Fs3.eu-central-1.amazonaws.com\u002Fwp.files\u002Fwp-content\u002Fuploads\u002F2026\u002F01\u002Fcrypto-basics-explained-a-beginners-guide-to-cryptocurrency-and-trading.webp",[260,264,268],{"id":261,"name":262,"slug":262,"link":263},3324,"basics","https:\u002F\u002Fecos.am\u002Fen\u002Ftag\u002Fbasics",{"id":265,"name":266,"slug":266,"link":267},3328,"beginner","https:\u002F\u002Fecos.am\u002Fen\u002Ftag\u002Fbeginner",{"id":143,"name":144,"slug":145,"link":146}]