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The anatomy of a fee change — evidence from cryptocurrency markets

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  • Brauneis, Alexander
  • Mestel, Roland
  • Riordan, Ryan
  • Theissen, Erik

Abstract

We analyze the impact on liquidity and trading activity of the introduction of maker fees (and simultaneous reduction of taker fees) on a leading cryptocurrency trading platform. Cryptocurrency markets are special because they are non-intermediated and highly fragmented. Furthermore, for the currency pair we analyze (BTC–USD) the relative minimum tick size is negligible, a feature which allows us to derive predictions from the Colliard and Foucault (2012) model which assumes a zero minimum tick size. Consistent with the model we find that quoted spreads increase after the fee change. However, the increase is overcompensated by the decrease in taker fees. Quoted depth and the number of transactions decrease while the average trade size increases.

Suggested Citation

  • Brauneis, Alexander & Mestel, Roland & Riordan, Ryan & Theissen, Erik, 2022. "The anatomy of a fee change — evidence from cryptocurrency markets," Journal of Empirical Finance, Elsevier, vol. 67(C), pages 152-167.
    • Handle: RePEc:eee:empfin:v:67:y:2022:i:c:p:152-167
    DOI: 10.1016/j.jempfin.2022.03.003
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    References listed on IDEAS

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    Cited by:

    1. Brauneis, Alexander & Mestel, Roland & Riordan, Ryan & Theissen, Erik, 2022. "Bitcoin unchained: Determinants of cryptocurrency exchange liquidity," Journal of Empirical Finance, Elsevier, vol. 69(C), pages 106-122.
    2. Galati, Luca, 2024. "Exchange market share, market makers, and murky behavior: The impact of no-fee trading on cryptocurrency market quality," Journal of Banking & Finance, Elsevier, vol. 165(C).

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    More about this item

    Keywords

    Cryptocurrencies; Trading fees; Market liquidity; Tick size;
    All these keywords.

    JEL classification:

    • G12 - Financial Economics - - General Financial Markets - - - Asset Pricing; Trading Volume; Bond Interest Rates
    • G14 - Financial Economics - - General Financial Markets - - - Information and Market Efficiency; Event Studies; Insider Trading

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