Bithumb Launches OTC Platform Ortus for Institutional Investors

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In a strategic move to tap into the growing demand for over-the-counter (OTC) cryptocurrency trading, Bithumb has officially entered the institutional market through its newly launched platform, Ortus. Designed specifically for high-net-worth investors and institutional players, Ortus aims to provide seamless, secure, and scalable crypto trading solutions beyond traditional exchange mechanisms.

While Bithumb remains one of South Korea’s largest digital asset exchanges by trading volume, its expansion into OTC services marks a significant milestone in its global outreach—particularly through its Hong Kong-based subsidiary, Bithumb Global Limited, which operates under the Ortus brand.

What Is Ortus and Who Is It For?

Ortus is an institutional-grade OTC trading platform that facilitates large-volume cryptocurrency transactions without impacting public market prices. Unlike spot exchanges where trades are visible and can influence market dynamics, OTC deals occur privately between two parties, often at negotiated rates.

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This model is especially appealing to hedge funds, family offices, and asset managers who need to move substantial amounts of digital assets without triggering volatility. By offering direct access to deep liquidity pools, Ortus enables these entities to execute trades efficiently and discreetly.

The platform supports major cryptocurrencies such as Bitcoin (BTC), Ethereum (ETH), and select altcoins, with plans to expand its offerings based on institutional demand.

The Growing Demand for Crypto OTC Services

Over the past few years, OTC trading has emerged as a critical component of the broader cryptocurrency ecosystem. According to research from TABB Group, BTC’s daily OTC trading volume reached $12 billion in April of the previous year—matching on-exchange volumes at the time. By August, OTC activity had surged to two to three times the volume seen on centralized exchanges.

As crypto researcher Eric Wall noted, this implies that 1 million to 1.5 million BTC are traded off-exchange daily—far exceeding the ~100,000 BTC recorded on-chain. Much of this activity remains invisible because buyers often receive cold wallets containing the purchased assets rather than transferring them immediately across the blockchain.

This trend has not gone unnoticed. Major exchanges like Huobi, OKEx, Binance, and Coinbase have all launched or expanded their OTC desks in recent years. Even financial infrastructure firms like Circle have reported triple-digit growth in their OTC businesses.

Clearly, there is strong institutional appetite for private trading channels that offer better pricing, reduced slippage, and enhanced privacy.

Bithumb’s Global Ambitions Through Ortus

Although Bithumb is best known for its dominance in the South Korean retail crypto market, the launch of Ortus signals a deliberate pivot toward international institutional clients. Operated by Bithumb Global Limited, a Hong Kong-registered entity, Ortus allows Bithumb to extend its brand presence beyond regulatory-constrained domestic markets.

However, the relationship between Bithumb and Ortus has sparked some confusion. A representative from BTCKorea.com—the parent company of Bithumb—claimed that Ortus is merely a partner company paying for brand usage and that Bithumb itself does not operate the OTC platform.

Yet, an official press release from Bithumb Global Limited contradicts this stance, clearly stating:

“Bithumb Global Limited… announces the official launch of block trading services under the brand name Ortus for institutional investors.”

This discrepancy suggests a nuanced corporate structure—possibly driven by regulatory considerations or risk management strategies. Still, it underscores Bithumb’s intent to leverage its brand equity while maintaining operational flexibility in different jurisdictions.

Why OTC Trading Matters for Market Maturity

The rise of OTC platforms like Ortus reflects the maturation of the digital asset industry. As more traditional financial players enter crypto, they bring with them expectations of professional-grade infrastructure, compliance frameworks, and counterparty security—all of which OTC desks are uniquely positioned to deliver.

Key advantages include:

These benefits make OTC trading indispensable for serious institutional participation.

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Challenges and Transparency Concerns

Despite its advantages, OTC trading also raises concerns around transparency and market fairness. Since these transactions occur off-chain and off-exchange, they are largely invisible to regulators and retail investors alike. This opacity could potentially enable market manipulation or wash trading if not properly monitored.

Moreover, Bithumb’s ambiguous positioning regarding Ortus may raise questions about accountability and oversight. While branding partnerships can be commercially strategic, clarity in corporate governance is essential to build long-term trust in global financial markets.

FAQ: Understanding Bithumb’s Ortus Platform

Q: Is Ortus directly operated by Bithumb?
A: While Bithumb Global Limited—a subsidiary based in Hong Kong—officially launched Ortus, Bithumb Korea has distanced itself from direct involvement, suggesting a licensing or partnership arrangement.

Q: Who can use Ortus for trading?
A: Ortus is designed exclusively for institutional investors and high-net-worth individuals who require large-scale, private cryptocurrency transactions.

Q: How does OTC trading differ from exchange trading?
A: OTC trades occur directly between two parties without being listed on public order books, avoiding price slippage and preserving privacy.

Q: Why are OTC volumes growing so rapidly?
A: Institutional adoption is driving demand for private, high-volume trading channels that minimize market impact and offer better execution.

Q: Does Ortus support fiat-to-crypto transactions?
A: While specifics are limited, most institutional OTC desks support both crypto-to-crypto and fiat-onramp services; further details would depend on compliance frameworks in each region.

Q: Is Bithumb expanding into other global markets?
A: There were reports of potential expansion into Europe, including a planned fiat exchange in the UK, but no concrete developments have been confirmed for 2025.

Final Thoughts: A Strategic Step Toward Institutionalization

Bithumb’s launch of Ortus represents more than just a new service—it’s a signal of intent. By targeting institutional clients through a dedicated OTC platform, Bithumb is aligning itself with global trends toward professionalized crypto markets.

While questions remain about corporate structure and transparency, the underlying demand for private, scalable trading solutions is undeniable. As digital assets continue to integrate into mainstream finance, platforms like Ortus will play a pivotal role in bridging traditional capital with blockchain innovation.

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As the line between conventional finance and decentralized markets blurs, expect more legacy exchanges to follow suit—launching sophisticated services tailored for the next wave of crypto adoption.

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