What is cryptocurrency exchange?
Types of Cryptocurrency Exchanges
1. Centralized Exchanges (CEX)
- Description: Centralized exchanges are managed by a central authority or company that operates the platform. They handle transactions and custody of funds and usually offer higher liquidity and more trading features.
     Examples: Binance, Coinbase, Kraken, Bitfinex, Huobi.
2. Decentralized Exchanges (DEX)
- Description: Decentralized exchanges operate without a central authority, using smart contracts on a blockchain to facilitate trades. They typically offer users more control over their assets.
        Examples: Uniswap, SushiSwap, PancakeSwap, 1inch.
3. Hybrid Exchanges
- Description: Hybrid exchanges aim to combine the features of both centralized and decentralized exchanges, offering benefits like high liquidity and decentralization while addressing the limitations of each model.
- Examples: Deversifi, Nash, and others in development.
How Does A Cryptocurrency Exchange Functions?
Cryptocurrency exchanges, whether centralized and decentralized, are very new as a concept. They work on the basis to provide a match for buyers and sellers. When you set up an account with any of the crypto exchange, it facilitates you to buy and sell cryptocurrencies such as Bitcoin (BTC), Ethereum (ETH), Litecoin (LTC), Cardano (ADA) or Dogecoin (DOGE), and so on.
So, if suppose you want to buy your first cryptocurrency via crypto exchange, here are the basic steps:
Step 1:Â Explore and choose a trustworthy and sound cryptocurrency exchange.
Step 2:Â Register with the exchange and open an account with them.
Step 3:Â Fund your account or crypto wallet either by depositing fiat or digital currencies.
Step 4:Â Now, select the cryptocurrency you want to buy and how much. For instance, if you wish to buy Bitcoin worth INR 10,000.
Step 5:Â Follow the necessary steps to initiate and complete a transaction.
Step 6:Â Check your account to verify that the transaction was a success.
Key Features of Cryptocurrency Exchanges
- Trading Pairs: Exchanges offer various pairs of cryptocurrencies and fiat currencies that users can trade. For example, BTC/USD, ETH/BTC, or ADA/ETH.
- Order Types: Most exchanges support different types of orders, such as market orders, limit orders, and stop-loss orders.
- Fees: Exchanges usually charge fees for trading, withdrawals, and sometimes deposits. Fees can vary significantly between platforms.
- Security: Centralized exchanges manage the security of funds and user data, while decentralized exchanges rely on blockchain technology and smart contracts for security.
- Liquidity: Centralized exchanges often have higher liquidity due to the larger number of users and trading volume, which can lead to faster and more efficient trades.
- Trading Tools: Many exchanges offer advanced trading tools, such as charts, technical indicators, and API access for algorithmic trading.
Things to Check Before Selecting a Crypto Exchange
Here are some of the impertant points should be kept in mind:
- Check whether a particular firm is registered as a securities broker.
- Choose the exchange which is incorporated or registered in India. This could make it very helpful if any concerned authorities investigate the exchange.
- The exchange must notify or inform you what it does with your funds. So, if the exchange is manipulating or commingling your funds, it could be very difficult or impossible for you to recover your funds if the exchange enters bankruptcy. For instance, bad lending practices led to the demise of FTX and proved very risky for its users across the globe.
- The exchange should have a legit presence on social media channels such as LinkedIn, Twitter or Facebook.
- Always check the customer support system of the cryptocurrency exchange, before selecting the exchange, try to contact them via toll free numbers or via chat system.
- Before selecting the exchange, also locate the exchange’s wallet. A fully operational exchange generally discloses their cryptocurrency reserves. But, if an exchange is trying to keep this information hidden, then it could be a sign of undercapitalized or illegitimate exchange.