Garratt, RodneyJ. and van Oordt, MaartenR.C. (2026). The crypto multiplier Journal of Corporate Finance, 96:1--17.

This paper develops the concept of a “crypto multiplier,” which measures the equilibrium response of a cryptocurrency's market capitalization to aggregate inflows and outflows of investors{\textquoteright} funds. The crypto multiplier takes high values when a large share of a cryptocurrency's coins is held as an investment rather than being used as a means of payment. Blockchain data show that the share of coins held for the purpose of making payments is rather small for major cryptocurrencies suggesting large crypto multipliers. Our results highlight the need for market participants to be vigilant when accepting block holdings of a cryptocurrency as collateral or as compensation for seed funding. The crypto multiplier indicates that the liquidation value of block holdings of cryptocurrencies can be substantially below their prevailing market values.