- Only 0.79% of Bitcoin’s total supply is currently locked in DeFi, indicating a significant lack of decentralized liquidity.
- Centralized custody, including exchanges, ETFs, corporate treasuries, and nation-states, holds the majority of Bitcoin’s supply.
- DeFi needs to develop solutions to replace traditional market makers in order to increase decentralized liquidity and reduce reliance on centralized entities.
The State of Bitcoin Liquidity: A Centralized Conundrum
Despite being the world’s largest crypto asset, Bitcoin’s liquidity remains largely centralized. According to recent market data, a mere 0.79% of Bitcoin’s total supply is locked in DeFi protocols. This means that the vast majority of Bitcoin’s supply is held in centralized custody, including exchanges, ETFs, corporate treasuries, and nation-states. This concentration of wealth and control poses significant risks to the Bitcoin network and its users.
The Role of Market Makers in Centralized Liquidity
Traditional market makers play a crucial role in providing liquidity to centralized exchanges. They act as intermediaries, buying and selling assets to facilitate trade and maintain market stability. However, their presence also perpetuates the centralization of liquidity, as they often require access to large amounts of capital and rely on centralized infrastructure. In order for DeFi to truly decentralized Bitcoin’s liquidity, it must develop alternative solutions that can replace traditional market makers.
The Path Forward for DeFi and Bitcoin Liquidity
For DeFi to increase its share of Bitcoin’s liquidity, it must develop innovative solutions that can attract and retain users. This may involve the creation of decentralized market making protocols, liquidity pools, and other financial instruments that can provide similar functionality to traditional market makers. Additionally, DeFi protocols must prioritize user experience, security, and scalability in order to compete with centralized exchanges and attract institutional investors.
