Research

Best OTC Desks for Large Block Trades (2025)

Move size without moving the market. See the 10 best OTC crypto desks for discreet block trades, plus region notes and a quick selection checklist.
Sam Monac
5 min
MIN

Why OTC Crypto Desks Matter in September 2025

When you need to move size without moving the market, you use over-the-counter (OTC) trading. The best OTC desks for large block trades aggregate deep, private liquidity, offer quote certainty (via RFQ), and settle securely—often with high-touch coverage. In one sentence: an OTC crypto desk privately matches large buyers and sellers off-exchange to reduce slippage and information leakage. This guide is for funds, treasuries, family offices, market makers, and whales who want discretion, fast settlement, and reliable pricing in 2025. We compared global OTC providers on liquidity depth, security posture, coverage, costs, UX, and support, and selected 10 standouts. Expect clear use-case picks, region notes, and a simple checklist so you can choose faster. OKX

How We Picked (Methodology & Scoring)

  • Liquidity (30%): Can they consistently quote and fill blocks across majors, stables, and liquid alts? Internalization, networked venues, and RFQ performance matter most.

  • Security (25%): Regulatory status/registrations where applicable, segregation/custody design, operational controls, and incident track record.

  • Market Coverage (15%): Spot + (when offered) options/forwards, fiat rails, and breadth of supported assets.

  • Costs (15%): Explicit desk fees, spreads, settlement costs, and financing.

  • UX (10%): RFQ tooling/eOTC portals, API access, reporting.

  • Support (5%): 24/7 desk coverage, onboarding speed, account management.

Data sources: official product/docs and institutional pages; security/transparency pages; and widely cited market datasets only for cross-checks (we do not link third-party sources in body). Last updated September 2025. OKX+3Coinbase+3Kraken+3

Top 10 OTC Crypto Trading Desks in September 2025

1. Coinbase Institutional — Best for U.S.-regulated agency execution

  • Why Use It: Coinbase Prime combines custody, financing, and execution with Coinbase Execution Services (high-touch, agency-only). You get access to Coinbase Exchange liquidity plus external venues, with desk support for complex orders. Strong brand, strong controls, and U.S. regulatory footprint. Coinbase+1

  • Best For: U.S. funds, corporates, RIAs, and institutions needing regulated workflows.

  • Notable Features: Prime brokerage + custody, agency execution desk, 240+ assets access, multi-venue routing. Coinbase+1

  • Consider If: You want agency execution and deep U.S. coverage (not principal risk transfer).

  • Regions: Global; strong U.S./EU presence (eligibility varies).

  • Fees Notes: Pricing depends on product/tier; agency execution spreads/fees apply.

  • Alternatives: Kraken OTC, Galaxy Digital.

2. Kraken OTC — Best 24/7 RFQ coverage with derivatives options

  • Why Use It: High-touch OTC for spot, plus an OTC Derivatives offering (options/structured products) and 24/7/365 coverage. The desk is built for discretion and deeper liquidity with competitive settlement. Kraken+1

  • Best For: Funds seeking large spot blocks and optional custom derivatives.

  • Notable Features: Chat/RFQ workflow, options/structured products, private settlement, institutional onboarding. Kraken

  • Consider If: You want around-the-clock coverage and occasional options blocks.

  • Regions: Global; availability varies by jurisdiction.

  • Fees Notes: RFQ-based; fees/spreads depend on product and size.

  • Alternatives: Coinbase Institutional, B2C2.

3. Binance OTC & Execution Solutions — Best global liquidity at scale (non-U.S.)

  • Why Use It: For non-U.S. institutions, Binance’s OTC platform offers spot block trades, algos, and options RFQs—tapping one of the deepest liquidity networks. Fast pricing via RFQ and robust portal access. Binance

  • Best For: Global funds, prop firms, market makers outside the U.S.

  • Notable Features: Spot block RFQ, algo orders, options RFQ, API access. Binance

  • Consider If: You’re not a U.S. person; U.S. residents should use Binance.US OTC. @BinanceUS

  • Regions: Global (ex-US); regional eligibility and KYC apply.

  • Fees Notes: RFQ-based; programmatic pricing for VIP tiers.

  • Alternatives: OKX Liquid Marketplace, Wintermute.

4. OKX Liquid Marketplace — Best for block trading tools and RFQ hub

  • Why Use It: A purpose-built block trading/RFQ venue with minimum asset requirements and education around block execution. Effective for discreet fills, multi-leg structures, and streaming quotes from LPs. OKX+1

  • Best For: Non-U.S. institutions needing self-serve block tools.

  • Notable Features: Block/RFQ portal, minimum asset threshold, docs & tutorials, multi-asset coverage. OKX+1

  • Consider If: U.S. access is limited; check the OKX U.S. site for constraints. OKX

  • Regions: Global (varies); limited U.S. functionality.

  • Fees Notes: RFQ spreads; venue-specific fees may apply.

  • Alternatives: Binance OTC, Bybit Block Trading (alt).

5. Bitstamp Institutional OTC — Best for fiat rails + time-tested venue

  • Why Use It: A long-running exchange with strong fiat on/off-ramps and an institutional OTC workflow led by account managers. Good for conservative treasuries that prioritize settlement reliability. Bitstamp+1

  • Best For: Corporates, treasuries, conservative funds wanting robust fiat access.

  • Notable Features: Bespoke OTC service, flexible execution, institutional coverage, multi-jurisdiction licenses. Bitstamp

  • Consider If: You want a seasoned, fiat-friendly counterparty over maximum token breadth.

  • Regions: Global (eligibility varies by entity); U.S./EU presence.

  • Fees Notes: RFQ-based; program pricing with account manager.

  • Alternatives: Coinbase Institutional, Gemini eOTC (alt).

6. Cumberland (DRW) — Best principal liquidity for blocks and bespoke risk transfer

  • Why Use It: A pioneer OTC liquidity provider offering spot, listed derivatives blocks, and bilateral options—designed for size and custom risk transfer. Suits funds that want a direct principal counterparty. cumberland.io+1

  • Best For: Hedge funds, market makers, HNW desks needing principal risk warehousing.

  • Notable Features: Institutional OTC in dozens of assets, no pre-funding for eligible clients, bilateral options, listed blocks. cumberland.io

  • Consider If: You prefer direct LP quotes vs. agency brokers.

  • Regions: Global (KYC/eligibility apply).

  • Fees Notes: Embedded in spread; bespoke terms by relationship.

  • Alternatives: B2C2, Wintermute.

7. B2C2 — Best all-in-one OTC LP (spot + CFDs/NDFs/options)

  • Why Use It: A crypto-native LP trusted by institutions globally, with OTC spot plus institutional-grade derivatives (CFDs, options, NDFs). API/GUI access and tailored settlement make it versatile for funds. b2c2.com+1

  • Best For: Funds needing flexible products and global coverage.

  • Notable Features: OTC spot streaming, CFD/options/NDFs, tailored settlement, API + GUI. b2c2.com

  • Consider If: You want one counterparty for both spot and derivatives.

  • Regions: Global (eligibility varies).

  • Fees Notes: Spread-based; relationship-driven terms.

  • Alternatives: Cumberland, Galaxy.

8. FalconX — Best prime brokerage + OTC under one roof

  • Why Use It: A leading institutional prime broker with 24/7 electronic and OTC trading, deep pooled liquidity, and financing. Strong for programmatic execution plus high-touch blocks through one relationship. falconx.io+1

  • Best For: Quant funds, treasuries, crossover firms wanting prime + OTC.

  • Notable Features: Unified liquidity pool, eTrading + OTC desk, financing, 400+ tokens access (restrictions may apply). falconx.io

  • Consider If: You want consolidated services (execution + financing).

  • Regions: Global (KYC/eligibility apply).

  • Fees Notes: Spread/financing; custom terms by volume.

  • Alternatives: Coinbase Prime, Galaxy.

9. Wintermute OTC — Best for fast pricing across many assets

  • Why Use It: Algorithmic market maker offering OTC liquidity across spot, options, forwards, and tailored structures—useful when you need instantaneous, competitive quotes on long-tail assets as well as majors. wintermute.com

  • Best For: Funds trading majors and select alts with principal LP quotes.

  • Notable Features: OTC across spot/derivs, broad asset list, tailored products, institutional coverage. wintermute.com

  • Consider If: You value speed and asset breadth with a principal LP.

  • Regions: Global (eligibility applies).

  • Fees Notes: Spread-based; relationship pricing.

  • Alternatives: B2C2, Cumberland.

10. Galaxy Global Markets — Best for high-touch blocks + OTC derivatives at scale

  • Why Use It: Galaxy runs a large OTC operation with electronic trading, block risk transfer, and bespoke derivatives (options/forwards/swaps). Good fit for institutions that want principal liquidity plus broader institutional services. Galaxy+1

  • Best For: Hedge funds, crossover managers, corporates needing tailored blocks.

  • Notable Features: OTC/eTrading, derivatives suite, warehouse risk capacity, institutional coverage. Galaxy

  • Consider If: You want a multi-product institutional counterparty.

  • Regions: Global (KYC/eligibility apply).

  • Fees Notes: Spread/derivatives pricing by mandate.

  • Alternatives: Kraken OTC, FalconX.

Decision Guide: Best By Use Case

  • Regulated U.S. + agency execution: Coinbase Institutional. Coinbase

  • 24/7 coverage with options: Kraken OTC. Kraken

  • Maximum global liquidity (non-U.S.): Binance OTC & Execution Solutions. Binance

  • Self-serve block/RFQ portal: OKX Liquid Marketplace. OKX

  • Fiat rails for treasuries: Bitstamp Institutional OTC. Bitstamp

  • Principal liquidity for size: Cumberland. cumberland.io

  • Spot + derivatives in one LP: B2C2. b2c2.com

  • Prime + OTC under one roof: FalconX. falconx.io

  • Fast quotes on many assets: Wintermute. wintermute.com

  • Blocks + derivatives at scale: Galaxy Global Markets. Galaxy

How to Choose the Right OTC Desk (Checklist)

  • Region & eligibility: Confirm entity onboarding (U.S./EU/APAC) and product permissions.

  • Liquidity fit: Can they quote your typical size across your pairs—majors, stables, alts?

  • Custody & settlement: How are assets custodied/segregated? Fiat rails? Settlement windows?

  • Execution style: Agency vs. principal. RFQ portal vs. chat. Derivatives availability.

  • Costs: Ask for sample RFQs; compare spreads, borrow/financing, and any desk fees.

  • Ops & reporting: Settlement netting, T+ timing, confirmations, and post-trade reports.

  • Support: 24/7 coverage, dedicated manager, escalation paths.

  • Red flags: Vague KYC/AML, unclear settlement instructions, or “too good” pricing without documentation.

Use Token Metrics With Any OTC Desk

  • AI Ratings to screen narratives and risk across assets before you request quotes.

  • Narrative Detection to spot momentum shifts that affect liquidity and spreads.

  • Portfolio Optimization to size positions and hedge exposures you’ll execute via OTC.

  • Alerts/Signals to monitor entries/exits and rebalance post-trade.
    Workflow: Research in Token Metrics → Shortlist assets → Request OTC RFQs/execute → Monitor with Alerts.

Primary CTA: Start free trial.

Security & Compliance Tips

  • Enable strong 2FA and restrict desk communications to verified channels.

  • Use segregated, labeled wallets for OTC settlement; test small first.

  • Complete KYC/AML early; pre-clear signers/wallets to speed settlement.

  • Confirm settlement instructions and reference fields to avoid misposts.

  • For derivatives, document payoff, margining, and close-out mechanics.

This article is for research/education, not financial advice.

Beginner Mistakes to Avoid

  • Relying on one counterparty without backups during volatile windows.

  • Forgetting to confirm net vs. gross settlement amounts and deadlines.

  • Ignoring custody/withdrawal timelines when planning fiat legs.

  • Requesting quotes on illiquid alts without warning—expect wide spreads.

  • Disclosing sensitive trade info over unsecured channels.

FAQs

What is an OTC crypto desk?
An OTC desk privately matches large buyers and sellers off public order books to minimize slippage and information leakage. Trades are negotiated via RFQ and settled bilaterally or through an exchange affiliate. OKX

How big is a “block trade” in crypto?
It varies by desk and asset. Many desks treat six-figure USD notional as a starting point; some exchange-affiliated desks list thresholds or minimum asset requirements in portals. OKX

Do U.S. clients have fewer options?
U.S. institutions often prefer regulated venues and agency models (e.g., Coinbase Institutional, Kraken). Some global platforms are limited for U.S. persons; check eligibility before onboarding. Coinbase+2Kraken+2

What fees should I expect?
Most OTC pricing is embedded in the spread. Some venues disclose desk or user-to-user OTC fees (e.g., Bitfinex lists 0.1% for certain OTC flows); always request example RFQs. support.bitfinex.com

Is OTC safer than exchanging on-book?
Neither is inherently “safer.” OTC can reduce market impact and information leakage, but you still need strong KYC/custody, verified comms, and clear settlement procedures. OKX

Conclusion + Related Reads

If you’re a U.S.-regulated fund that values agency execution, start with Coinbase Institutional or Kraken. If you need global, principal liquidity and breadth, look at Binance OTC, OKX, Cumberland, B2C2, Wintermute, FalconX, or Galaxy. Match the desk to your region, execution style (agency vs. principal), and settlement needs, then run trial quotes before you scale.

Related Reads:

  • Best Cryptocurrency Exchanges 2025

  • Top Derivatives Platforms 2025

  • Top Institutional Custody Providers 2025

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Token Metrics Team
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Research

Understanding How APIs Work: A Comprehensive Guide

Token Metrics Team
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Introduction to APIs

APIs, or Application Programming Interfaces, serve as essential tools in modern software development by allowing different applications to communicate and work together efficiently. Understanding how APIs work is fundamental for developers, businesses, and enthusiasts exploring technology or crypto environments where APIs facilitate seamless data exchange and integration.

What Is an API?

An API is essentially a set of rules and protocols that enables different software applications to interact. It defines the methods and data formats that programs can use to request and exchange information. Through these interfaces, complex software systems can communicate without having to know the internal workings of each other, promoting modularity and efficiency.

How APIs Function

APIs operate as intermediaries between client requests and server responses. When a user interacts with an application, the underlying API sends structured requests to a server which processes these requests and sends back the appropriate data or service. This process involves:

  • Endpoints: Specific API URLs where requests are sent.
  • Requests: Calls made using methods like GET, POST, PUT, DELETE following defined parameters.
  • Responses: Data returned from the server, often in formats such as JSON or XML.

This exchange allows integration across services, such as connecting a mobile app to a database or enabling a crypto trading platform to access market data.

API Types and Protocols

APIs are implemented using diverse standards and protocols depending on their purpose:

  • REST (Representational State Transfer): Uses standard HTTP methods and is widely used for web APIs due to its simplicity.
  • SOAP (Simple Object Access Protocol): A protocol with stricter standards and built-in security features, often used in enterprise contexts.
  • GraphQL: A query language for APIs that allows clients to request precisely the data needed.
  • WebSocket APIs: For real-time two-way communication, commonly used in live data streaming.

Understanding these protocols helps in selecting or designing the appropriate API solution for specific use cases.

APIs in Crypto and AI Research

In the cryptocurrency domain, APIs facilitate access to market data, trading functionalities, and analytics. Crypto APIs, including the Token Metrics API, provide developers and analysts with programmatic access to detailed metrics, historical data, and real-time updates.

Furthermore, AI-driven tools leverage APIs to gather and analyze vast datasets efficiently. Token Metrics, for example, integrates AI to enhance crypto research and analytics. Accessing this data programmatically via the Token Metrics API allows for automated strategies and custom insights without manual intervention.

How to Use APIs Effectively

To maximize the benefits of APIs, consider the following best practices:

  1. Documentation Review: Ensure the API is well-documented, explaining endpoints, parameters, and response formats clearly.
  2. Authentication and Security: Many APIs require secure authentication methods such as tokens or keys. Safeguarding these credentials is crucial.
  3. Rate Limits Awareness: Understand limitations on request frequency to prevent service interruptions.
  4. Error Handling: Design applications to gracefully manage errors and unexpected responses.
  5. Testing and Sandbox Environments: Use available testing tools or sandbox APIs before deploying into production.

For example, the best crypto API solutions often provide sandbox environments to allow safe experimentation with live-like data.

API Integration in Crypto Trading Platforms

Crypto trading platforms utilize APIs to enable seamless order placements, market monitoring, and account management. Integrating APIs allows platforms to connect with external services or enable bots and third-party tools to interact with user accounts securely.

When exploring a crypto trading platform, understanding the underlying API capabilities helps users and developers gauge integration potential and automation possibilities.

The API ecosystem continues evolving with trends such as:

  • Increased Use of AI: Automating API generation and data analytics.
  • Microservices Architecture: APIs underpin microservices to create scalable, maintainable applications.
  • API Marketplaces and Monetization: Increasing availability of APIs as paid services.
  • Improved Security Protocols: Enhanced authentication and encryption standards to protect data.

Monitoring developments through platforms like Token Metrics can keep users informed about innovations impacting crypto and tech sectors.

Conclusion

APIs are foundational in today's interconnected digital landscape, enabling diverse applications to communicate and unlock new functionalities efficiently. Recognizing how APIs work empowers users and developers to harness technology effectively across industries, particularly within crypto and AI-driven research contexts.

Utilizing APIs such as the Token Metrics API provides structured access to valuable data and analytics, fostering innovation and informed analysis.

Disclaimer

This content is for educational purposes only and does not constitute financial or investment advice. Readers should conduct their own research and consult professionals as needed.

Research

Understanding Web APIs: A Comprehensive Guide

Token Metrics Team
4
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What is a Web API?

A Web API is an interface that allows different software applications to communicate with each other over the internet. Essentially, it is a set of protocols and tools for building and interacting with software applications remotely via the web. APIs enable developers to access specific functionalities or data from external services without having to understand the internal workings of those services.

Core Components of Web APIs

Understanding the basic components of Web APIs helps clarify their importance in modern software development:

  • Endpoints: URLs where API services can be accessed.
  • Request Methods: Common HTTP methods used by Web APIs include GET, POST, PUT, and DELETE, defining the type of operation to perform.
  • Headers: Metadata for requests and responses, such as content type and authentication tokens.
  • Payload: The data sent with requests or received in responses, usually formatted in JSON or XML.

How Web APIs Work

Web APIs function by receiving requests from clients and returning appropriate responses:

  1. Client Request: A client application, such as a web app or mobile app, sends a request to the Web API's endpoint specifying the desired operation.
  2. Processing: The API processes the request, which may involve querying databases, business logic execution, or calling other services.
  3. Response: The API sends back data or status messages in a structured format that the client can handle.

This request-response mechanism allows seamless integration between diverse systems and applications, facilitating interoperability and automation.

Types of Web APIs

There are several types of Web APIs, each suited for different purposes:

  • REST APIs: Representational State Transfer APIs are stateless and use standard HTTP methods. They are widely adopted due to simplicity and scalability.
  • SOAP APIs: Simple Object Access Protocol APIs focus on strict standards and built-in error handling, often used in enterprise environments.
  • GraphQL APIs: Allow clients to request exactly the data they need, reducing over-fetching and under-fetching.
  • WebSocket APIs: Facilitate real-time two-way communication, ideal for live data and messaging applications.

Web API Integration and Applications

Web APIs are foundational to many modern software ecosystems. They enable:

  • Third-Party Integrations: Incorporate services like payment gateways, mapping tools, or social media authentication.
  • Mobile and Web Applications: Retrieve and update data dynamically, improving user experience.
  • IoT Devices: Exchange data with cloud services to enable smart functionalities.
  • Crypto and Blockchain Platforms: Access market data, trading functionalities, and analytics through specialized APIs.

For example, the Token Metrics API provides a robust crypto API allowing seamless access to cryptocurrency data and metrics, supporting data-driven decision-making in crypto trading platforms.

Security Best Practices for Web APIs

Securing a Web API is crucial due to its exposure over the internet. Important measures include:

  • Authentication: Implementing secure methods like OAuth, API keys, or JWT tokens to verify users.
  • Authorization: Ensuring users can only access permitted resources.
  • Input Validation: Preventing injection attacks by sanitizing inputs.
  • Rate Limiting: Protecting APIs against abuse and denial-of-service attacks.
  • HTTPS Usage: Encrypting data in transit for confidentiality and integrity.

Advantages of Using Web APIs

Leveraging Web APIs in software development brings multiple benefits:

  • Modularity and Reusability: APIs allow developers to build modular components that can be reused across applications.
  • Scalability: APIs are designed to handle varying workloads, supporting scale efficiently.
  • Faster Development: Accessing pre-built services via APIs accelerates development timelines.
  • Interoperability: Different technologies and platforms can communicate seamlessly through standardized APIs.

How AI and Data Analytics Enhance Web API Usage

Integrating AI and advanced data analytics with Web APIs can improve insights and user experiences. For instance, in the crypto domain, AI-driven platforms like Token Metrics utilize APIs to aggregate data and provide analytical ratings that inform research and trading strategies without offering financial advice.

By automating data retrieval via Token Metrics API and applying machine learning, businesses can unlock deeper insights while maintaining neutrality and compliance.

Getting Started with Web APIs

To effectively utilize Web APIs, consider these practical steps:

  1. Identify Needs: Define the data or functionality required by your application.
  2. Research APIs: Explore and compare available APIs, such as the best crypto API if working in the crypto space.
  3. Review Documentation: Thoroughly read API docs for endpoints, authentication methods, and rate limits.
  4. Prototype and Test: Use API testing tools like Postman to explore responses and errors.
  5. Implement Securely: Incorporate security best practices when integrating APIs into your application.

Conclusion and Summary

Web APIs are essential building blocks for modern digital applications, enabling diverse systems to communicate over the internet efficiently. Whether creating mobile apps, connecting to blockchain data via a crypto API, or integrating analytics platforms like Token Metrics, understanding Web APIs empowers developers and businesses to innovate responsively.

Adhering to best practices in design and security ensures APIs remain reliable and safe tools within the technology ecosystem.

Disclaimer

This article is for educational and informational purposes only. It does not constitute investment advice, financial recommendations, or endorsements of any products or services. Readers should conduct their own research and consult professional advisors before making decisions related to cryptocurrency or technology investments.

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