Who Exactly Is a Retail Trader?

Retail traders have become a dominant force shaping crypto markets. Their collective activity now accounts for a significantly larger portion of global trading volume than ever before, and their influence extends far beyond simple buying and selling.

Unlike institutional players or major whale holders, retail traders operate at individual scale yet move the needle on liquidity provision, governance participation, and price discovery mechanisms. They're the backbone of democratic market participation in crypto.

We've put together a comprehensive guide breaking down what distinguishes retail traders from institutions and whales. You'll learn how their strategies differ, why their involvement matters for ecosystem health, and how their actions ripple through token economies. Whether you're evaluating market trends or understanding voting power shifts, grasping the retail trader dynamic is essential for anyone serious about crypto market mechanics.