Hey there, crypto enthusiasts! If you’ve ever wondered why the crypto market sometimes feels like a wild west where the big players always win, you’re not alone. A recent episode of the DROPS podcast featuring Alex Momot, the Founder and CEO of Peanut Trade, dives deep into the murky world of crypto market making—and how it’s being transformed for the better. Let’s break it down in a way that’s easy to digest, even if you’re new to the blockchain game.

The Problem with Crypto Market Making

So, what’s market making, you ask? Think of it as the oil that keeps the crypto trading engine running. Market makers are the folks who provide liquidity—basically, they buy and sell cryptocurrencies to ensure there’s always someone on the other side of your trade. But here’s the catch: the system is often rigged. Alex points out that many market makers exploit founders by structuring contracts that favor themselves, leaving little room for negotiation. Imagine launching your dream token, only to find out the market maker dumps it at the worst possible time—yikes!

Alex, who’s no stranger to tough challenges (more on that later), believes this opacity and unfairness stem from legacy financial practices sneaking into the Web3 world. It’s like bringing old-school Wall Street tricks into a space that promised to be different. Not cool, right?

Who Is Alex Momot?

Before we get into his solutions, let’s meet the man behind the mission. Alex Momot’s journey is straight out of a movie. A former drag racing champion in Ukraine, he found solace in the high-speed focus of racing—his version of meditation! Born into the chaos of post-Soviet Ukraine, he dodged risky paths like government jobs or criminal networks, choosing entrepreneurship instead. This decision was shaped by real-world experiences, like seeing businesses stolen through bribery. That background fuels his passion for transparency in crypto.

During COVID, Alex pivoted his cybersecurity tech company to survive a bear market, leading to the birth of Peanut Trade. Today, it’s one of the top three CEX-DEX arbitrage funds globally. Pretty impressive, huh?

Peanut Trade’s Fair Market Making Vision

So, how is Alex fixing this broken system? At Peanut Trade, he’s championing “fair market making.” This means no surprise token dumps, transparent terms, and contracts that don’t prey on desperate founders. He’s all about building communities and understanding the founder’s pain—because he’s been there. Imagine a market maker who’s on your side, not just out to make a quick buck!

One cool approach is their use of inventory-based models with algorithmic logic. This relies on pure price action (like trading on Uniswap when it’s cheaper than Binance), avoiding any shady news flow manipulation. Alex argues this isn’t insider trading—it’s just smart math. Sounds like a breath of fresh air in the crypto space!

Lessons from War and Geopolitics

Alex’s story takes an even wilder turn with his experience during the 2022 Ukraine invasion. Spotting early signs like soldiers at train stations, he evacuated his team in stages—though most hesitated until it was too late. This trauma has shaped his business strategy, pushing him to map geopolitical risks with the same precision he uses for arbitrage. He’s even relocated to safer spots like Portugal, showing how global events impact crypto.

The Future of Crypto

Alex isn’t shy about critiquing Ethereum’s unfulfilled promises—smart contracts were supposed to revolutionize supply chains and legal settlements, but we’re mostly just trading tokens. Still, he’s optimistic. As founders get savvier, apps become user-friendly, and regulations clear up, he sees a fairer crypto future. If Bitcoin becomes “digital gold,” stable cycles could finally let long-term businesses thrive.

Takeaway for Your Sunday Dinner

Alex’s parting advice? Tell your family the crypto market is heading toward fairness—thanks to innovators like him. It’s a future worth getting excited about, and Peanut Trade is leading the charge.

If this peek into the episode got you hooked, head over to When Shift Happens on YouTube or your favorite podcast platform for the full convo. What do you think about fair market making? Drop your thoughts in the comments—we’d love to hear from you!