A market maker is a financial firm or individual that helps ensure smooth trading in financial markets by consistently buying and selling a particular asset — like stocks, options, or cryptocurrencies — even when there isn’t a buyer or seller immediately available. In simple terms: Market makers "make a market" by quoting two prices: Bid: The price at which they’re willing to buy. Ask (or Offer): The price at which they’re willing to sell. The difference between these two prices is called the sp