Over-the-counter (OTC) trading on Binance has started 2026 with strong momentum. In just January and February, the platform has already reached 25% of its total OTC volume from all of 2025. This sharp rise points to growing interest from large investors. These traders prefer private deals over public exchanges.
As a result, OTC desks are seeing more activity than before. While this trend suggests the market is entering a new phase. Institutional players are stepping in with bigger trades and longer-term plans.
Institutional Demand Drives Growth
According to Binance CEO Richard Teng, demand for deep liquidity is rising fast. He noted that institutions want smooth execution for large trades. They also want to avoid moving prices too much. OTC trading helps solve this problem. It allows buyers and sellers to trade directly.
In just two months of 2026, we’ve already hit 25% of last year’s total OTC volume.
The institutional demand for deep liquidity and trusted execution is stronger than ever.https://t.co/qFxZtwj1LV
— Richard Teng (@_RichardTeng) March 28, 2026
This reduces slippage and keeps trades more stable. With this, more funds and large investors are choosing OTC desks. They see them as safer and more efficient for big transactions.
Bitcoin and Stablecoins Take the Lead
Bitcoin played a major role in Binance’s growth. Its share in OTC trades jumped sharply. In January, it made up just 4.91% of volume. By February, it surged to 45.81%. This shows that institutions are actively building Bitcoin positions. Many see current price levels as a good entry point.
At the same time, stablecoin-to-crypto trades also increased. These trades more than doubled in one month. Their share rose from 21.43% to 48.95%. This shift highlights a clear trend. Traders are using stablecoins more often to move into crypto positions. It also shows growing trust in stablecoin liquidity.
Large Trades Show Market Strength
One standout trade shows how strong Binance OTC execution has become. A $105 million conversion from WBETH to ETH was completed in just two hours. Even more impressive, the trade had very low slippage. It was about 75% better than what regular order books would offer.
This kind of efficiency attracts big players. It shows that large trades can happen smoothly without major price impact. As a result, OTC desks are becoming key tools for institutions entering crypto markets.
What This Means for the Market?
The rapid growth in OTC volume signals a bigger shift. The crypto market is becoming more mature. It is no longer driven only by retail traders. Instead, institutions are now playing a larger role. They bring bigger capital and longer-term strategies.
Moreover, rising OTC activity on Binance often points to accumulation phases. Large players quietly build positions before major price moves. For now, the data suggests confidence is growing. Institutions are not waiting on the sidelines anymore. They are actively entering the market. But doing it quietly through OTC channels. If this trend continues, it could support stronger price stability. As it may also set the stage for the next major market move.
