Paper Number
ECIS2026-1181
Paper Type
CRP
Abstract
Crypto assets are increasingly embedded in the financial system. Digital Asset Markets (DAMs) serve as the core infrastructure for their exchange. However, the rapid evolution of these markets has led to integrity violations, such as hacks, fraud, and market manipulation, that erode trust and hinder further institutional adoption. As there is no holistic conceptual basis for evaluating DAM integrity, this study follows a Design Science Research approach to develop an integrative framework for assessing market integrity in DAMs. Existing research typically examines isolated violations or single aspects of integrity, leaving stakeholders without comprehensive guidance. By synthesizing insights from a systematic literature review and interviews with key stakeholders, we derive, refine, and validate integrity-relevant constructs and their measures. These constructs form the basis of an actionable assessment framework that supports investors, intermediaries, and regulators. We further demonstrate the framework’s practical utility through its application to exemplary DAMs.
Recommended Citation
Jakobs, Jenny; Clapham, Benjamin; Schmidt, Julian; Gomber, Peter; and Muntermann, Jan, "From Shadows To Trust: Designing A Framework For Integrity Assessment In Digital Asset Markets" (2026). ECIS 2026 Proceedings. 1.
https://aisel.aisnet.org/ecis2026/blockfintech/blockfintech/1
From Shadows To Trust: Designing A Framework For Integrity Assessment In Digital Asset Markets
Crypto assets are increasingly embedded in the financial system. Digital Asset Markets (DAMs) serve as the core infrastructure for their exchange. However, the rapid evolution of these markets has led to integrity violations, such as hacks, fraud, and market manipulation, that erode trust and hinder further institutional adoption. As there is no holistic conceptual basis for evaluating DAM integrity, this study follows a Design Science Research approach to develop an integrative framework for assessing market integrity in DAMs. Existing research typically examines isolated violations or single aspects of integrity, leaving stakeholders without comprehensive guidance. By synthesizing insights from a systematic literature review and interviews with key stakeholders, we derive, refine, and validate integrity-relevant constructs and their measures. These constructs form the basis of an actionable assessment framework that supports investors, intermediaries, and regulators. We further demonstrate the framework’s practical utility through its application to exemplary DAMs.
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