In the fast-moving world of blockchain and digital assets, crypto arbitrage—commonly known as “brick moving”—has emerged as a low-risk strategy to generate consistent returns. Unlike speculative trading, arbitrage capitalizes on price differences of the same asset across exchanges, allowing traders to buy low on one platform and sell high on another. This article walks you through a real-world example of manual crypto arbitrage, detailing how a trader successfully locked in a $2,976 profit by exploiting a temporary USDT price gap between two exchanges.
The case study offers transparent insights into actual transaction records, timing considerations, risk management, and market dynamics—all critical for anyone exploring decentralized finance (DeFi) income strategies.
Understanding Crypto Arbitrage: What Is “Brick Moving”?
Crypto arbitrage, or “brick moving,” refers to the practice of transferring digital assets between exchanges to profit from minor price discrepancies. These gaps often arise due to differences in liquidity, trading volume, or regional demand.
For instance, Tether (USDT), a stablecoin pegged to the U.S. dollar, may trade at slightly different rates on various platforms—especially in localized markets like Taiwan, where regulatory and banking factors influence pricing.
There are two primary approaches:
- Manual arbitrage: The trader identifies opportunities and executes trades personally.
- Automated arbitrage: Bots monitor multiple exchanges 24/7 and execute trades instantly when conditions are met.
While automation offers speed and scalability, manual methods allow for greater control and risk assessment—especially during volatile market shifts.
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The $2,976 Arbitrage Trade: Step-by-Step Breakdown
On October 11, 2025, a clear arbitrage window opened between MAX Exchange and BitoPro Exchange in Taiwan. Here's how the trade unfolded:
Step 1: Spotting the Price Discrepancy
At the time of observation:
- MAX Exchange was offering USDT at a buy price of 32.40 TWD per unit
- BitoPro Exchange listed the sell price at 32.4964 TWD per USDT
This created a spread of approximately 0.3%, which, while small, becomes significant when scaled across large volumes.
Step 2: Executing the Buy Order
The trader purchased USDT worth 32.40 TWD per coin on MAX Exchange. This required careful confirmation of available liquidity and withdrawal processing times—key factors that impact arbitrage success.
Step 3: Transferring and Selling
After acquiring the USDT, the trader transferred the asset to BitoPro Exchange. Once credited, they sold the entire position at an average rate of 32.4964 TWD, realizing a total profit of $2,976 TWD.
| Key Metric | Value |
|---|---|
| Buy Price | 32.40 TWD |
| Sell Price | 32.4964 TWD |
| Spread | ~0.3% |
| Profit | 2,976 TWD |
Note: Transaction fees were factored into the final calculation, confirming net profitability.
This case demonstrates that even minor spreads can yield tangible returns when executed efficiently.
Why Timing Matters in Manual Arbitrage
One of the most crucial lessons from this trade is the importance of execution speed and market timing.
Shortly after the arbitrage was completed:
- MAX Exchange’s USDT price began to decline
- BitoPro’s USDT rate saw a slight increase
This widening gap might have tempted some to wait for bigger profits. However, the trader emphasized a disciplined approach: “It’s better to make a small gain than risk a big loss.”
By closing the position quickly, they avoided exposure to sudden market swings—a wise move considering that by midnight, USDT prices across exchanges had dropped sharply.
At peak volatility:
- Lowest bid: 32.267 TWD
- Highest ask: 32.425 TWD
- Bank of Taiwan USD exchange rate: 32.18 TWD
Had the trader held onto USDT bought at 32.40 TWD, they could have faced a paper loss of nearly $1 million TWD depending on volume—highlighting how quickly stablecoin "stability" can falter in local markets.
Risk Management in Crypto Arbitrage
While arbitrage is often considered low-risk, it’s not without challenges. Key risks include:
- Transfer delays: Blockchain confirmations or exchange processing times may allow price gaps to close before completion.
- Withdrawal limits: Some platforms impose daily caps, limiting trade size.
- Sudden de-pegging: As seen with USDT’s fluctuation past midnight, stablecoins aren’t immune to short-term volatility.
- Liquidity constraints: Large trades may not find matching orders, leading to slippage.
To mitigate these risks:
- Always test withdrawal speeds with small amounts first
- Monitor network congestion and gas fees
- Set strict entry and exit thresholds
- Avoid holding assets longer than necessary
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Historical Context: A Pattern of Small Wins
This wasn’t an isolated success. The trader previously documented another manual arbitrage on October 3, 2025, earning $435 TWD from a similar USDT spread. While smaller in scale, it reinforced the value of consistency and discipline.
Repeated small gains compound over time—especially when combined with automation or systematic tracking.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
Q1: What is crypto arbitrage?
Crypto arbitrage involves buying a digital asset on one exchange at a lower price and selling it on another where the price is higher. It relies on temporary inefficiencies in pricing across markets.
Q2: Is manual arbitrage still profitable in 2025?
Yes—but profitability depends on speed, volume, and access to favorable spreads. While automated bots dominate high-frequency opportunities, manual traders can still profit from regional or temporary gaps, especially in less liquid markets.
Q3: Why was USDT trading above the dollar rate in Taiwan?
Due to capital controls and limited banking integration with international crypto platforms, demand for USDT in Taiwan often exceeds supply—driving premiums above the standard USD exchange rate.
Q4: How do I start with crypto arbitrage?
Begin by:
- Opening accounts on multiple exchanges
- Monitoring price differences using comparison tools
- Testing small transfers to assess speed and fees
- Starting with low-risk stablecoins like USDT or USDC
Q5: Can stablecoins lose value during arbitrage?
Yes. Though pegged to fiat, stablecoins can temporarily de-peg due to market stress, regulatory news, or liquidity issues—making fast execution essential.
Q6: Are there tax implications for arbitrage profits?
In most jurisdictions, crypto arbitrage gains are treated as taxable income or capital gains. Always consult a local tax professional to ensure compliance.
Final Thoughts: Discipline Over Greed
This real-life example underscores a fundamental truth in trading: consistency beats heroics. The trader didn’t chase maximum profit—they seized a verified opportunity and exited swiftly.
In volatile markets, hesitation can turn a guaranteed gain into a significant loss. As demonstrated here, even a seemingly modest 0.3% return becomes valuable when grounded in precision, timing, and risk awareness.
For those interested in passive income within blockchain ecosystems, manual arbitrage offers a practical entry point—provided you prioritize speed, safety, and simplicity.
Whether you're exploring automated solutions or refining manual techniques, staying informed and agile is key.
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