Doug Colkitt - High Frequency Trading, MEV Strategies, and CrocSwap (S6E3)
Doug Colkitt is an ex-high frequency trader, ex-MEV bot searcher, and founder of the decentralized exchange CrocSwap. In this episode, we talk about all three. We begin with high frequency trading, where Doug walks us through the differences between maker and taker strategies, why queue position is so critical for makers, and why volatility is a high frequency trader’s best friend. We then discuss Ethereum-based MEV strategies. Doug explains what MEV is, how the architecture of the Ethereum block chain allows it to exist, and a high level topology of the different types of MEV strategies that exist. He also explains how the game theory behind MEV changed dramatically with the launch of Flashbots. Finally, we talk about his new decentralized exchange CrocSwap and its primary innovations, including dynamic fee levels, identification of toxic flow, and vaults that enable KYC. I hope you enjoy my conversation with Doug Colkitt.