How to Choose the Trading Engine for Your Crypto Exchange

# Blockchain
01.07.2025
7
472
Dima Lebed
Dima Lebed
Co-founder & CTO at Peiko

Choosing the right trading engine is one of the most critical decisions while creating a crypto exchange. The trading engine is the core system that matches sell and buy orders, executes trades, and maintains user balances in real time. It is the core of the speed, reliability, and performance of your platform.

To make the right choice, you need to examine how the engine performs under high load, how protected it is from attacks, how easy it is to scale up with a growing user base, and whether it can be adapted to suit your platform’s specific needs.

In this article, we’ll explain what the best trading engine for crypto exchange is, why it’s so important, and how to choose one that aligns with the goals of your crypto exchange.

What is a сrypto trading engine?

A crypto trading engine is the backend infrastructure of any crypto exchange — the component that actually processes trades and maintains the integrity of the order book. It’s what manages order matching, price calculation, and trade execution — all in real time, typically a matter of milliseconds.

Most fundamentally, the engine runs an order-matching algorithm, generally a price-time priority model, or First-In-First-Out (FIFO). That is, orders are matched first by price and then by submission time. 

Some engines support more complex order types and algorithms like iceberg (hiding large orders), TWAP (spreading orders evenly over time), or VWAP (buying or selling based on average price), depending on the needs of the platform. 

In general, a high-performance trade engine is designed to:

  • Match thousands of orders per second with ultra-low latency
  • Enable high-concurrency scenarios with a large number of users placing, canceling, and amending orders concurrently
  • Offer atomic transactions, i.e., each trade executes in its entirety or not at all — eliminating inconsistent states

Trade engines are created in the following languages: C++, Rust, Go, Java, and Node.js  (JavaScript runtime environment). These programming languages and Node.js are favorites due to their speed and ability to handle concurrency. The architecture of trading engines often follows event-driven, asynchronous patterns to ensure performance and scalability.

The trading engine is what enables a crypto exchange to actually work as a market. Without one, the platform is merely a front-end with no actual trading capability.

the importance of trading engines for crypto exchanges

Why the trading engine is critical

The trade engine is the core processor in a crypto exchange, processing every trade with unmatched speed and precision to allow smooth market operations. In a world where milliseconds make a difference, how well the trading engine delivers and how reliable it is play a critical role in maintaining a competitive advantage and user confidence.

In essence, the engine runs complex algorithms that match buy and sell orders real-time, constantly refresh the order book, and update user balances atomically to eliminate discrepancies. How it can keep up perfect performance under high trading volumes or sudden market fluctuations is what makes an exchange reliable and trustworthy.

Delays or failures in the core trading engine can lead to trade mismatches, delays, or platform crashes—meaning that it has financial risks, reputation damage, and/or regulatory exposure. Therefore, maximizing throughput, minimizing latency, and fault tolerance are top-of-mind concerns for exchange developers.

Some key technical advantages of a high-performance trading engine are:

key benefits of a high-performance trading engine
  • Low-latency order matching Able to handle thousands of orders per second, necessary for high-frequency and algorithmic trading.
  • Atomic trade execution Ensures transactions either succeed or roll back completely, with data remaining consistent even upon failure.
  • Dynamic order book updates Provides real-time order status and depth of market to traders, maintaining accuracy and transparency.
  • High concurrency and scalability Handles a high level of concurrent orders and cancellations without losing performance, supporting platform expansion.
  • Very good fault tolerance and recovery Built with functionality to avoid downtime and data loss in the event of unexpected failure.
  • Sophisticated trading strategy support Allows usage of complex order types like iceberg and VWAP, appealing to professionals and market makers.

The trading engine is the technological backbone of a crypto exchange that enables it to deliver fast, secure, and scalable trading experiences that can address the demands of today’s digital financial markets.

Want to launch reliable crypto exchange?
Turn to Peiko!

Key factors to consider when choosing a trading engine

Choosing the best trading engine for crypto exchange involves weighing a series of technical along with operational requirements. Some of the key considerations include:

Latency and throughput

Your engine must process orders with ultra-low latency—typically in microseconds—and high throughput, sustaining thousands or even tens of thousands of transactions per second. This is necessary to facilitate high-frequency traders and volatile markets effectively.

Order matching logic

Different trade engines support different matching algorithms, such as FIFO, pro-rata, or hybrids. You need to ensure that the engine supports the order types and trading strategies you will offer, such as complex ones, such as iceberg, TWAP, or VWAP orders.

Concurrency and scalability

The engine’s architecture should be able to deal with concurrent order submissions, updates, and cancellations without creating bottlenecks or data races. Event-driven, asynchronous, or multi-threaded architectures are extremely suitable for this.

Data consistency and atomicity

Every trade should be executed completely or not at all in order to maintain system integrity. Real-time synchronization of order books and user balances across distributed environments is a key attribute, especially for multi-node setups.

Resilience and expandability

The engine should be built with horizontal scaling and robust fault tolerance in mind. Features of crypto trading engines such as clustering, automatic failover, and load balancing ensure maximum uptime and enable the platform to scale well.

Build vs. buy: The main dilemma

There are two ways to integrate a trading engine into your crypto exchange platform. You can build this engine from scratch or use a ready-made solution. Let’s consider the differences between these two approaches:

CriteriaBuild from scratchBuy a ready-made solution
Time to developTypically 6-18+ months due to complex system design, testing, and debuggingDeployable within weeks or a few months, including customization and integration
Cost of trading engines for exchangesHigh costs for expert engineers, infrastructure, and extended development cyclesLower upfront fees, usually via licensing or subscription
Performance tuningRequires deep technical expertise to reach low latency and fault tolerance benchmarksEngineered and optimized for peak performance out of the box
Level of customizationUnlimited flexibility to tailor features and algorithmsCustomizable within framework limits; faster feature rollout
Maintenance responsibilityOngoing burden on internal teams for updates, security patches, and regulatory complianceVendor manages upgrades, bug fixes, and compliance updates
Speed to marketLonger development time can delay launch and revenue generationRapid deployment accelerates market entry and user acquisition

With the very high technical demands of a trading engine—real-time order matching, atomicity, fault tolerance, and scalability—the notion of starting from scratch is a daunting undertaking. 

Startups as well as established companies capitalize on buying open source trading engines. Not only does it accelerate rollout, but it also capitalizes on savings from costly errors and downtime.

By using a white-label trading engine, you have access to a robust infrastructure, yet still have the ability to customize features through APIs (application programming interfaces) and modular extensions. This balance between speed, reliability, and flexibility makes ready-made engines the pragmatic solution for most crypto exchanges in today’s times. 

Crypto exchange with robust trading engine?
It is our white-label solution!

Due diligence and evaluation process

Selecting a trading engine is a critical choice for your cryptocurrency exchange. A rigorous evaluation process helps you choose a solution that is technically sound, secure, and scalable to keep pace with the growth of your platform.

Technical evaluation

Begin by assessing the engine’s design, performance, and scalability. It needs to be capable of handling high-frequency trading with minimal latency and support for real-time order matching and balance updating. 

Assess whether the engine can handle complex order types and whether the architecture can handle concurrent trading activity efficiently. 

Security and stability

Evaluate how the trading engine prevents DDoS attacks, front-running, and order manipulation. Verify whether the system ensures data consistency and transaction atomicity. Stability is also important—get a system with high uptime and that recovers quickly from faults without loss of data or inconsistencies.

Vendor evaluation

The technology itself won’t cut it—get to know the vendor behind it, too. Research their experience in the crypto space, ask for client references, and understand their support structure. Your good vendor will have clear documentation, sound integration tools, and regular updates to meet changing security and compliance needs.

Testing and validation

Before the final decision, request a sandbox environment or live demo. This allows you to get a true test of the engine’s real-world performance, API behavior, and integration flexibility. Check service-level agreements, uptime commitments, and support responsiveness — the vendor should meet your operating needs.

Launch a crypto exchange powered by a robust trading engine 

Join the crypto universe with confidence through our white-label exchange platform, boasting a powerful, pre-integrated trade engine designed with real-time processing and swift order execution in mind.

No need to begin from the ground up — our solution is entirely customizable, secure, and scalable, so you can launch a full-featured centralized exchange (CEX) in just 3 weeks. Engage retail customers or pro traders; the platform will scale high-volume action with ease.

With native TradingView charts, intelligent order-matching, and out-of-the-box liquidity, your platform will be ready to go on day one.

the trading capabilities of Peiko's crypto exchange white-label solution

What you’ll get:

  • Super-fast trade matching with spot and market order support
  • Trading interface pro by TradingView
  • Fireblocks security, SumSub KYC, and native liquidity
  • Commodity commission model & real-time admin dashboard
  • Cloud-based deployment on AWS, Azure, or Google Cloud
  • Microservices architecture with auto scaling for high demand

With our solid infrastructure and skilled blockchain professionals, you can go live faster, scale up with ease, and start making money sooner.

Conclusion

The trading engine is the core system behind any crypto exchange — it’s what processes, matches, and executes trades in real time. Its speed, stability, and scalability directly impact user experience and platform reliability. Whether you’re launching a startup exchange or upgrading an existing one, choosing the right trading engine is critical.

To reduce risk and accelerate time to market, many businesses opt for open source trading engines — like ours. With a battle-tested trading engine, advanced trading tools, full customization, and enterprise-level security, you can launch a fully operational exchange in just 3 weeks.

Ready to launch your exchange fast? Contact us to book a call or request a demo of our white-label CEX solution today.

FAQ

What is a trading engine?

A trading engine is the backend system that matches buy and sell orders on a crypto exchange. It handles order execution, manages the order book, updates balances, and ensures real-time transaction accuracy.

How to evaluate trading engines?

Look at performance (latency, throughput), scalability, supported order types, fault tolerance, security features, and ease of integration. Vendor reputation and support quality also matter.

How fast can I launch a crypto exchange?

With our white-label solution, you can launch a fully featured exchange in as little as 3 weeks.

Can I customize your trading engine and interface?

Yes, our platform is fully customizable — from user interface to fee structures, trading pairs, and backend integrations.

    CONTENT

Staking-as-a-Service Inside a CEX: Technical & Legal Considerations

# CEX
27.06.2025
13
461
Dima Lebed
Dima Lebed
Co-founder & CTO at Peiko

In 2025, the rules governing centralized markets’ staking service underwent significant changes. In the same quarter that MiCA’s Delegated Regulations came into effect in the EU, the U.S. SEC (Securities and Exchange Commission) switched from high-profile enforcement to structured rule-making, and more. 

Here, we’ll go into detail about how each part of a crypto exchange (CEX) staking stack interacts with the law. We’ll look at how distributed validator modules, multi party custody, and on chain reward accounting work with various rules and tests.

We’ll also touch on why liquidity-token wrappers set prospectus and marketing-permission thresholds, and how to make real time slashing insurance, sanctions screening, and ESG (environmental, social and governance) reporting work in a cross-jurisdictional architecture. 

This piece will give you the detailed checklists, decision matrices, model clauses, and risks of staking crypto you need to turn staking from a regulatory liability into a stable income source. If you’re a founder or protocol architect planning a 2025 CEX launch, jump in and make your trade ready for the future before the next guidance drop.

The allure of staking-as-a-service (SaaS) in a 2025 CEX environment

The legal bar for running validators inside a CEX is now just as high as the technical one. Staking is no longer a niche “Earn” tab product. Proof-of-stake (PoS) rewards have grown into a US-$140 billion revenue vertical, roughly 7 % of crypto’s total market cap, and the fastest-growing line item on Tier-1 exchange P&Ls. 

Coinbase, for example, booked US-$698 million in subscription-and-services income in Q1 2025—most of it blockchain-rewards commissions—against US-$1.3 billion in trading fees. On Ethereum alone, fully 27 % of all staked ETH (≈5 million ETH) now is with centralized exchanges, giving CEXs a larger validator footprint than any single liquid-staking DAO.

Clear rules erase the gray-area penalty

crypto staking rules 2025
  • Europe (MiCA). The EU’s Delegated Regulations, published 14 March 2025 and in force since 3 April 2025, require CASPs that run validators to keep segregated on-chain reward ledgers and publish daily solvency attestations.

    Crucially, they treat staking as a distinct “crypto-asset service” rather than a deposit-taking activity, freeing exchanges from bank-style capital ratios provided the validator keys sit in a DVM (Distributed Validator Module) or MPC (Multi-party computation) set.
  • United States (SEC). After dismissing its two headline staking lawsuits, the SEC on 29 May 2025 issued a Staff Statement kicking off formal rule-making on “Protocol Staking Activities.” The paper signals that disclosures—not outright prohibition—will be the core compliance burden, and invites comment on a broker-staking exemption akin to ATS rules for dark staking pools.
  • Hong Kong (SFC). On 7 April 2025, the SFC (Securities and Futures Commission) unlocked a dedicated staking sandbox. Licensed exchanges can delegate customer assets if slashing risk is insured and a real-time dashboard exposes validator health to clients.
  • Singapore (PSA+). MAS (Monetary Authority of Singapore) expanded Payment Services regime—fully live since 4 October 2024—now treats “staking, lending or any form of yield generation on Digital Payment Tokens” as an additional licensable activity. New notices (PSN-08) force CEXs to issue prospectus-style risk fact-sheets before accepting the first stake.

The end effect of the 2025 stake crypto meaning is that entrepreneurs may choose the price of regulatory overhead up front instead of having to roll the Howey dice later.

Economics that play to an exchange’s strengths

DriverWhy CEXs win2025 datapoint
Validator unit-economicsShared custody hardware, 24/7 DevOps desk, and internal MEV (maximal extractable value) mitigation lower per-validator opex below $185 / yr versus $600–$1 200 for a stand-alone nodeBinance’s Binance Staked SOL grew to 19.1 % of Solana’s liquid-staking supply by 31 March 2025.
Instant liquidityOrder-book or Launchpool campaigns give users T-0 exit, eliminating the 1–21 day unbonding lag that still applies on-chainWalletConnect Launchpool (Apr 2025) cleared 3-days’ worth of protocol emissions in 18 minutes
Cross-sell flywheelEvery staked dollar is “sticky collateral” that feeds margin lending and perpetuals volume; internal risk engines mark staked assets at a haircut rather than full lock-upCoinbase notes that blockchain rewards are now the single largest driver of recurring subscription revenue

Institutional-grade risk, institutional-grade yield

  • Slashing insurance in real time. Crypto exchanges can pool opt-in fees across thousands of validators and cover double-sign or downtime losses within minutes—something no solo staker can replicate.
  • Sanctions & ESG overlays. MiCA’s audit trail plus MAS’ PSN-07 disclosure rules force location-based validator screening and let treasuries report Scope-2 energy intensity per validator.
  • Tax neutrality. Hong Kong treats validator income as foreign-sourced for offshore clients. The SEC’s forthcoming form will likely mirror existing 1099-DIV layouts, easing U.S. reporting.

Staking as a service generates long-term revenue while fee compression squeezes spot trading, and investors are pricing protocol-indexed cashflows at six-to-eight times ARR (annual recurring revenue) in exchange M&A (mergers & acquisitions) deals for 2025 CEX launches.

The EU, U.S., and key Asia-Pacific countries now offer explicit licensing playbooks that turn staking from a grey-area hazard into a sanctioned service line, turning regulatory risk into opportunity. 

Ethereum and Solana order books illustrate that once one exchange controls even two to three percent of a network’s stake, it becomes the default destination. Validator market share is equally sticky. In summary, incorporating SaaS in your exchange is essential for 2025, and startups that understand the validator, custody, and disclosure stack early will lock in yield streams that can weather the next bear cycle.

Launch your staking-ready CEX in three weeks.
Leverage Peiko’s white-label platform!

Technical considerations: Building robust CEX staking infrastructure

Building a centralized exchange SaaS rail is now an engineering and compliance issue. Launch teams must hard-wire these components before opening deposits in 2025.

Distribution-validator technology (DVT) is the new uptime standard

DVT distributes signing chores to 4-of-7 or 6-of-10 independent nodes in distinct data centers or cloud regions instead than one monolithic validator per address. The approach prevents single-machine failures and reduces slash-risk by two-thirds in big field tests.

Production-grade toolkits arrived this year: SSV (secret shared validator) Network released “SSV 2.0” on 20 May 2025, adding builder APIs to allow exchanges spin up DVT clusters in minutes. Lido’s SSV-powered module enters Holesky testnet in Q2. 

Key management: MPC+FIPS-ready HSM > multisig

Current custodians don’t assemble validators’ private keys anywhere. MPC shards the key and signs in safe enclaves, making a compromised shard useless to an attacker. Fireblocks’ Wallet-as-a-Service and Coinbase Institutional expose FIPS 140-3 and SOC 2 gRPC signing endpoints, giving exchanges hardware-grade security without slowing hot wallets. 

Separate reward ledgers and real-time solvency proofs

Since 3 April 2025, MiCA’s Delegated Regulations require CASPs (crypto-asset service providers) that operate validators to maintain an on-chain sub-ledger for each customer cohort and post daily solvency attestations. Real-time ledger reconciliation of staked principal, un-distributed protocol incentives, and exchange commission is required. That implies:

  • Merkle-tree snapshots at midnight UTC
  • Publicly keyed “proof-of-stake-reserves” API for each validator address
  • Auditor-signable ESMA (European Securities and Markets Authority) supervisor CSVs (Comma-Separated Values)

Slash risk is now insurable and expected by authorities

Indemnity staking pools are allowed because the SEC’s 29 May 2025 staff statement classifies “slashing coverage” as a non-managerial service. Nexus Mutual’s ETH Slashing Cover creates on-chain policies that settle within 72 hours of double-sign or protracted downtime events. Bitcoin-restaking and Solana will soon have comparable umbrellas. 

MEV-aware block construction safeguards yield and optics

No Maximal-Extractable-Value policy for validators is reputational suicide. More than 90% of Ethereum validators relay blocks using mev-boost in 2025, decoupling block-building and clear auctioning bundles. Exchanges mirror flow behind their firewalls:

  • Inbound orderflow → internal builder (pre-trade compliance);
  • Bid into trusted relays (Flashbots, UltraSound, Agnostic) with censor-list filters;
  • Accept the best block, sign using the MPC quorum. 

Withdrawal pipes and liquid wraps

Unbonding delays still annoy users. A native liquid-staking token (LST) or voucher tracks the stake and trades in the spot order book. If the exchange market floors the peg, well-designed LSTs keep peg variations within 25 bp even in stress tests, according to 2025 academic research.

ESG data + sanctions for cross-border compliance

  • Geofencing validator – IPs and execution clients is required for sanctions screening; Northstake provides OFAC (Office of Foreign Assets Control) compliant node hosting.
  • ESG metrics – Article 66(5) MiCA requires CASPs to report asset energy and carbon intensity. Most exchanges wire Grafana dashboards directly into validator telemetry to generate watt-hour per epoch numbers on demand. 

2025 launch-team checklist

ComponentGood enough in 2023Required in 2025
Validator orchestrationSingle VPS (Virtual Private Server)DVT cluster across ≥3 jurisdictions
Key custodyCold-hot multisigMPC-Hardware Security Module hybrid with quorum controls
Rewards accountingInternal databaseOn-chain Merkle ledger + daily PoSR
Slash mitigationManual restartsAuto-failover + insured cover note
MEV policyNone / privateMEV-boost with public relay stats
LiquidityForced unbondingExchange-native LST (Liquid Staking Token) with deep book
ComplianceKYC/AML (Know Your Customer)OFAC geofence + ESG energy disclosure

If you want to stake on CEX in 2025, stream solvency and carbon data in real time, make each module an API-first microservice, and lock validator keys behind MPC quorum. This will make staking less of a legal headache and more of a defendable haven.

Legal & regulatory considerations: Checklist to consider

If you want to launch staking-as-a-service from inside a CEX, we prepared a regulatory risk checklist for you. You can make validator income and embrace all the benefits of staking crypto, but only if you separate your assets, make every moving part public, and insure the things you can’t control.

crypto staking regulatory risk checklist

1. EU — MiCA makes staking a formal CASP activity

A CEX that “participates in or facilitates validation” must apply for the new staking service licence tier, maintain an on-chain sub-ledger for each client cohort, and publish a daily proof-of-stake-reserves attestation since 3 April 2025. The 14 March delegated acts explain that if keys are in an MPC or DVT quorum, the firm is not deposit-taking and exempt from CRR-style capital ratios. 

2. United States — the SEC swaps lawsuits for rule-making

The Division of Corporation Finance’s 29 May 2025 Staff Statement classifies “protocol staking activities” as administrative or ministerial, therefore pure validation does not require Securities Act registration. An exchange that decides “whether, when and how much” of a customer’s assets to stake must file Form SPK (Staking Provider Key), follow ATS (Alternative Trading System) broker-staking standards, and provide quarterly slashing-risk statements. 

3. Hong Kong — SFC staking sandbox

Licensees can delegate user tokens in a closed sandbox from 7 April 2025 if they buy real-time slashing insurance and publish validator uptime and MEV information on a public dashboard. Early adopters get seasoning credit when the activity moves to the permanent rulebook from the sandbox. 

4. Singapore — PSA+ and the PSN-08 disclosure rule

MAS’ extended Payment Services framework, beginning 4 October 2024, licenses “any form of yield generation on Digital Payment Tokens”. Notice PSN-08 requires exchanges to provide prospectus-style fact sheets before accepting the initial stake, explaining cutting, unbonding, and tax staking risks. 

5. Passporting and marketing constraints

Cross-border marketing must follow each state’s retail-investor and sustainable-finance labelling laws, however, MiCA staking licenses can be passed throughout the European economic area. Interstate marketing is allowed in the U.S. after Form SPK is implemented, although blue-sky regulations apply if promotional literature specifies expected APY (Annual Percentage Yield).

Only “qualified investors” can advertise in Hong Kong and Singapore unless the product has a capital-preservation floor or insurance wrap.

Secure your share of the 2025 staking boom!
Deploy with Peiko now.

6. Custody, segregation and audit

Insolvency-remote segregation is the common thread across all major blocs: client stake and unredeemed incentives live in an on-chain Merkle ledger, while exchange commission flows into a different address. Investors now demand daily evidence of solvency (MiCA), periodic SOC-2 reports (SEC), and trustee attestations (SFC) in due-diligence war rooms.

7. Consumer disclosures and ESG overlays

Slashing likelihood, validator energy intensity, and wrapper token liquidity must be covered in a one-page Key Staking Information Document under PSN-08 and MiCA Article 66(5). Live validator telemetry from many exchanges is used in Grafana dashboards to convert watt-hours-per-epoch into kg-CO₂-equivalent for SFDR (Sustainable Finance Disclosure Regulation) and TCFD (Task Force on Climate-related Financial Disclosures) reporting.

8. AML, sanctions and travel-rule alignment

FATF Rec 16 and EU Funds-Transfer Regulation require name-tagging stake inflows and outflows above €1,000. Hong Kong’s sandbox incorporates OFAC screening for validator IPs, relay endpoints, and MEV builder connections into its real-time dashboard template.

9. Enforcement focus: failure modes, not price curves

From token prices to missed attestations, downtime, double-signs, and unhedged ETH-MATIC conversions, regulators are focusing on operational errors. The SEC Staff Statement identifies cutting insurance as a non-managerial supplementary service, suggesting fraud charges for unreported losses. In Hong Kong’s sandbox, two downtime events within 30 days halt new-customer onboarding.

10. Blueprint for founders

Have one lawyer handle licensing, cross-border marketing, and ongoing disclosures; set up a Merkle-proof service that posts to IPFS every midnight; pre-contract an insurance wrapper covering at least 0.5% of staked value; and pipe validator telemetry to an OFAC filter and an ESG calculator. Tackle those boxes and your staking line goes from “grey-area headache” to a passportable, bank-auditable revenue stream regulators and investors recognize.

Challenges & staking risks for CEXs and users

Staking on a CEX can become a self-funding moat. However, it’s only possible if operators treat validator operations like critical national infrastructure and clearly communicate all possible failure modes to users in plain language. The Peiko team prepared the necessary things to pay attention to:

1. Operational & slashing risk

  • Downtime or double-signs still burn capital instantly. The SEC’s March-2025 technical briefing with Coinbase reports “principal-level” loss when a validator is cut, even though network-wide slashing stays below 0.04 % of stake.
  • Attack surface widens with scale. A Lido Chorus One notable breach in May 2025 disclosed 25% of staked ETH, indicating that multi-operator crypto staking pool is vulnerable.
  • Insurance helps but is finite. While new policies like Chainproof’s CESR-backed policy payout within 72 hours, capacity is limited to ≈$200 m, compared to the $90 b staked on Ethereum.

2. Custody & cybersecurity risk

  • CEX hot-wallets remain a honeypot. Two weeks ago, Coinbase’s service staff experienced insider-enabled data theft, proving that credential custodial CEXs leakage can lead to social-engineering loss.
  • External hacks are frequent and global. OSL reported repeated eight-figure CEX losses in Q1-2025, while SpringerLink found nine exchange breaches on four continents in the past year.
  • User downside is asymmetric. Customers are unsecured creditors if an exchange collapses; most platforms lack crime insurance like banks.

3. Liquidity & price-tracking risk

  • Liquid-staking tokens can de-peg. Stress studies by CoinMetrics show that LSTs can drift by 120 bp when exit queues swell, erasing 25% of a year’s protocol yield.
  • Redemption halts cascade into wider markets. A single validator fault can freeze the LST order book and propagate peg pressure to DeFi staking pools that accept the token as collateral by pausing CEX withdrawals.

4. Regulatory, sanctions & ESG overhang

  • Rules keep shifting mid-game. MiCA’s Article 66(5) requires real-time carbon-intensity disclosure, and MAS PSN-08 requires prospectus-style fact-sheets before the first stake is taken, strict timeframes that surprised several Asian exchanges.
  • Geofencing is compulsory. The 2025 OFAC enforcement roll-up increases crypto-related penalties; validators and MEV relays must be IP-screened in real time or face strict-liability fines.
  • Tax leakage crosses borders. CEXs must operate parallel withholding logics for U.S., EU, and Hong Kong clients due to validator income conflicting with user domicile restrictions.

5. Market conduct & concentration risk

  • Internal desks can trade against customers. In-house desks can trade against customers. Most major CEXs (except Coinbase) maintain proprietary books that can “stop-loss hunt” retail holdings, according to a May-30 exposé.
  • Automation glitches move markets. The April-2025 BitGet VOXEL bot fire caused $12.7 b in phantom volume and showed that a single malfunctioning algo can disrupt everlasting markets.
  • Validator share is consolidating. Should a top-three CEX go dark, chain liveness becomes a systemic issue. Coinbase holds 11.4% of staked ETH. 

Operating a staking line within a centralized exchange remains a precarious balancing act, despite the improved rulebooks and production-grade gear available in 2025. There are five main categories of problems, and the blast-radius (maximum impact zone) for the exchange and the end-user varies for each.

Turn MiCA, SEC Form SPK, and PSN-08 into one-click checkboxes!
We’ll help.

Vendor spotlight – Peiko’s white-label staking stack

Peiko’s white-label staking services crypto is a true SaaS overlay: every core function—matching engine, staking orchestrator, custody bridge, KYC module—runs as an independent micro-service callable over REST or gRPC.

That means a founder can bolt Peiko’s staking services engine onto an existing exchange front-end, or spin up the full vertical (spot + staking + admin) in Azure, AWS or GCP with Terraform scripts the company delivers out of the box.

Peiko crypto staking white-label solution

Compliance baked in:

  • KYC/AML. SumSub handles identity, while Travel-Rule data tags ride the same message bus used for deposits and withdrawals.
  • OFAC & ESG dashboards. A built-in Grafana stack geofences validator IPs in real time and converts telemetry into watt-hours-per-epoch so Article 66(5) and PSN-08 disclosures are one click away.
  • Slashing insurance hook. The staking service can auto-route 3–5 bp of commission to Nexus Mutual or Chainproof and surface cover capacity alongside APY in the client UI.
Peiko crypto staking white-label

Commercial model that mirrors SaaS economics

Among staking providers, Peiko licenses the code base once, then charges no revenue share on staking yield. That lets an exchange keep 100 % of its validator commission, turning the platform fee into a cap-ex line amortised over the first few months of operation.

When a white-label beats a green-field build

Decision factorDIY buildPeiko white-label
Launch timing8–14 months typical≤ 3 weeks end-to-end
Regulatory artefactsIn-house legal draftsPre-templated MiCA PoSR, Form SPK, PSN-08 kits
Up-front costUS $450 k – $1 millionUS $95 k flat
Custody gradeTeam must integrate Fireblocks, MPC, auditsFireblocks + MPC already wired
Future scalingRewrite for micro-serviceNative autoscaling on Kubernetes

Just like you can rent Stripe for payments, you can rent the most difficult parts of SaaS using Peiko’s white-label solution.

Conclusion

In summary, either you build the stack yourself or license it from a specialist like Peiko, the winning formula is DVT for liveness, MPC-backed custody for key security, on-chain Merkle ledgers for MiCA/SEC transparency, real-time ESG and sanctions telemetry, and a pre-funded slashing-insurance sleeve regulators can check off in one line. 

Founders who lock in these basic features now will capture most of the validator revenue before it disappears. They will also have a compliance record that is on par with the current policymakers, which will make staking return the new base rate for long-term, subscription-grade exchange income.

From the first day with Peiko crypto staking services, your team gets a fleet of validators processing DVT, MPC custody, solvency proofs, sanctions filters, and ESG telemetry. Contact us and get the freedom to compete for market share until the next rule change comes into effect.

FAQ

What is staking crypto?

Stake crypto meaning lies in putting your digital assets in a POS blockchain to make sure transactions are true, keep the network safe, and get rewards. You can think of staking in crypto as earning interest on crypto deposits. Cryptographic incentives and decentralization make this possible.

How does staking crypto work?

In staking cryptocurrency, validators run nodes to group and check transactions. By using tokens as collateral, they make sure people are honest and get native-token rewards based on the amount they risk. The validator suite from Peiko company helps skilled operators get the most uptime and yield.

What are the risks of staking crypto?

Even though yields can be tempting, staking in crypto comes with fines for bad behavior, lock-up illiquidity, downtime, and protocol exploits. The Peiko business lowers its risk by monitoring in real time, but it is still very important to do a lot of research on the code and the way it is run.

Where to find a staking crypto expert?

You can go to events in the crypto staking field (like ETHDenver), join forums for validators (like ValidatorNetwork), or hire specialized consulting companies. The advice desk at Peiko offers customized help for planning and checking high-performance staking operations.

    CONTENT

8 Steps to Create Your Own Hybrid Crypto Exchange in 2025

# Blockchain
30.05.2025
10 MIN
471
Dima Lebed
Dima Lebed
Co-founder & CTO at Peiko

Hybrid cryptocurrency exchanges (HEXs) combine two worlds of crypto exchanges and offer a third, totally unique one. Hybrid platforms include the efficiency and liquidity of centralized exchanges like Binance with asset control of decentralized exchanges like Uniswap. 

So, how to build a cryptocurrency exchange with a hybrid operation model? In this article, we will consider eight key steps to create your own reliable hybrid exchange. The list includes stages from planning and legal preparation in the early stages to platform design, security configuration, and promotion after the launch. This guide will help you bring your exchange concept to life in 2025.

Step 1: Business planning and market research

Consider to build hybrid crypto exchange platform? At the beginning, ask yourself: What are the main features you want to add to stand out? Perhaps it’s a more user-friendly interface for newbies. Maybe you can offer faster settlement times, or a hybrid custody model that allows users some control over their assets. 

Get to know your users

Every trading platform must be designed with its users in mind. You can interview your potential customers, read Reddit, Discord, or Twitter feedback to identify pain points with existing platforms.

Conduct research on competitors

How to create your own hybrid crypto exchange that will stand out? It is important to research your competitors. Look into both direct competitors like other HEXs, and indirect competitors like DeFi protocols or mobile wallets with exchange functionality.

Leverage tools like SimilarWeb to track traffic trends, or look into CoinGecko and Token Terminal to understand trading volume, tokenomics, and platform adoption. 

Design a sustainable business model

A hybrid cryptocurrency exchange needs more than a bright idea—it needs a solid economic engine. Most platforms make money from:

top revenue models for hybrid crypto exchanges

Your business plan should outline precisely how the platform will change and grow over time.

Step 2: Meeting regulatory compliance and licensing needs

To start hybrid cryptocurrency exchange development in 2025, it is important to ensure compliance with local regulations governing digital asset platforms. 

You should follow the regulations that are created to protect customers, stabilize markets, and prevent financial crime. 

European Union (EU)

If you want to build hybrid crypto exchange, consider the following two gigantic regulatory rules:

Markets in Crypto-Assets (MiCA)

This rule provides a legal framework for crypto asset service providers (CASPs) across the whole EU member state territory. It unifies requirements around transparency, whitepaper disclosure, reserve capital, and cross-border operations.

Digital Operational Resilience Act (DORA)

Targeting the improvement of cybersecurity and IT risk management, DORA aims at financial institutions, such as crypto exchanges. This act requires crypto trading platforms to be cyberattack-resistant and maintain service continuity in the event of system failure.

United States

Starting your own hybrid cryptocurrency exchange in the U.S. is a great endeavor. Here, regulation is more decentralized but equally rigorous

Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC)

Regulates any crypto asset that is a security. Exchanges dealing in such assets need to be registered or operate under an approved exemption.

Financial Crimes Enforcement Network (FinCEN)

Forces crypto exchanges to register as money services businesses (MSBs) and implement AML (anti-money laundering) and KYC (know your customer) protocols.

New York BitLicense

One of the most rigorous regulatory frameworks by the NY State Department of Financial Services. It covers asset custody, transaction surveillance, cybersecurity, and financial reporting for crypto businesses in New York.

Malta

This country was among the first to implement crypto legislation. If you start hybrid crypto exchange business in Malta, ensure compliance with the following license:

Virtual Financial Assets (VFA) License

This license is held by the Malta Financial Services Authority (MFSA) and oversees exchanges and custodians of alternative assets trading. It is accompanied by operational, compliance, and auditing obligations and is particularly appealing to those projects looking for stable regulatory legitimacy.

Estonia

This country, once linked with its fast-track crypto license, has in recent years implemented stronger conditions.

Virtual Currency Service Provider License

Regulated by the Estonian Financial Intelligence Unit (FIU), this license extends to exchange and wallet operators. The recent reforms necessitate the physical presence of the local company, increased due diligence, and stricter reporting rules based on EU AML rules.

United Arab Emirates (UAE) – Dubai

Dubai is quickly becoming a crypto hub of the world, with an environment that is regulated but business-friendly:

Virtual Assets Regulatory Authority (VARA)

Developed to oversee all virtual asset business in Dubai, VARA creates a clear framework for starting your own hybrid cryptocurrency exchange, brokers, custodians, and advisory firms. It centers on financial soundness, protection of the consumer, and AML/CFT, making Dubai an ideal location for international operators.

Want to launch a robust crypto exchange?
Get it in 3 weeks!

Step 3: Crafting your platform’s core structure

Behind every great hybrid crypto exchange is a well-built technological backbone. It has at its foundation a lightning-quick trading engine. This system should be capable of processing thousands of orders per second with precision and with little lag time. 

For long-term agility, new exchanges adopt a microservices architecture. This approach divides the platform into individual services—i.e., trading, user log-in, and wallet services—such that each can be upgraded or scaled independently. This ensures maximum uptime, even during high traffic or maintenance.

Another critical pillar in successful hybrid crypto exchange development is a safe and smart wallet system. Hot wallets enable active transactions, while cold wallets hold most funds offline, safe from online threats. 

Advanced systems also include features like automatic rebalancing across wallet levels, withdrawal rate controls, and multi-signature authorization schemes to prevent single-point failure.

On the user-facing front, user trust and retention are fueled by simple interface design. Newbies in crypto must be able to execute basic trades without getting lost. If you decide to build ​​hybrid exchange, consider that professionals need features like live order books, customizable charts, and low-latency APIs. 

Cross-device compatibility and lightning-fast data refresh rates are essential for a seamless trading experience.

the architecture of hybrid exchange crypto

Step 4: Establishing a robust security infrastructure

Security isn’t an option to build hybrid crypto exchange—it’s your exchange’s first line of defense and must be baked in from day one. A robust strategy includes DDoS protection, end-to-end encryption, and two-factor authentication (2FA) for logins and withdrawals. 

Role-based access controls prevent internal abuse. Trusted custodians like Fireblocks secure digital assets with advanced MPC (multi-party computation) technology. 

As opposed to conventional single-key private key management systems, Fireblocks employs MPC to divide the private key into several segments and distribute them across various storage locations. This ensures that no institution or individual ever has complete access to the key at any given moment, significantly minimizing the risk of fraud or theft. 

Fireblocks also contributes to security by integrating seamlessly with other safeguards, such as 2FA and real-time activity tracking, to ensure continuous asset protection along the entire transaction flow.

Step 5: Driving liquidity and establishing market flow

In the absence of sufficient liquidity, users suffer from slippage and delayed execution, which drives them to alternative exchanges for trading. 

To establish proper liquidity right from the start, HEXs can:

  • Collaborate with market makers Market makers introduce persistent buy and sell quotes, with tighter spreads and more liquidable prices in centralized as well as decentralized layers.
  • Integrate aggregated liquidity HEXs can connect to third-party liquidity providers like Huobi or other exchanges to pool liquidity, offering better prices and reducing order book fragmentation. 
  • Utilize AMMs With the incorporation of Automated Market Makers (AMMs), HEXs are able to deliver decentralized trading and centralized liquidity for smoother markets.
  • Encourage staking and yield farming With the provision of staking and yield farming rewards to users, HEXs are able to provide liquidity on both exchange layers.
  • Run launchpad events Launchpad events help HEXs to list new tokens, attract new liquidity, and benefit from both centralized and decentralized market streams.

Step 6: Designing the UI, UX, and platform development 

The transaction could be technically flawless, but without a user-friendly UX (user experience) and UI (user interface), customers won’t stick around. If you want to build hybrid exchange, design must take the lead on usability—streamlined onboarding and KYC processes, responsive mobile support, and minimalistic trading dashboards.

Real-time visualization of information, assignable charts, and easy navigation are essential. Platforms like FTX (before its collapse) and Coinbase gained popularity in part because they featured a clean, user-friendly design. 

coinbase has top ux and ui to attract users

Core design principles

  • Simplified onboarding — Fast, smooth KYC with guided setup flows.
  • Mobile optimization — Optimize for responsive, smooth performance on all devices.
  • Clear interface — Use plain layouts and big action buttons like “Trade” or “Deposit.”
  • Live market data — Display real-time price feeds, charts, and order books.
  • Visible security features — Highlight 2FA, session tracking, and transparent transaction fees.
  • Custom user experience — Allow users to personalize their dashboard, alerts, and themes.
  • Accessibility compliance — Design inclusively according to accessibility guidelines.
  • Built-in guidance — Use tooltips, help icons, and new user tutorials.

Step 7: Conducting rigorous testing and iteration 

Before your hybrid cryptocurrency exchange goes live, every aspect of the system must be pushed to its limits through extensive technical and user-level testing. 

From order execution to wallet transactions and KYC integration, every process must execute smoothly under stress. Simulated trading volumes and traffic spikes help measure the robustness of the platform in real-world scenarios.

Security first when launching a hybrid crypto exchange. Conduct penetration tests and vulnerability scans on your centralized infrastructure, and contract third-party audits for any smart contracts or DeFi modules. 

The February 21, 2025, Bybit cyberattack, during which approximately $1.5 billion worth of Ethereum tokens were stolen, is a harsh reminder that one weakness can prove disastrous.

Secure and efficient crypto exchange?
Launch it in 3 weeks.

Before going public with a hybrid exchange crypto solution, release a closed beta with real users to discover usability issues, improve onboarding, and refine features. Monitor user behavior to find drop-off points and bottlenecks. This iterative approach allows agile updates and ensures the product is rock-solid, user-friendly, and ready for broader adoption.

Step 8: Launching and engaging users

How to create your own hybrid crypto exchange that will generate profit? After the launch of your HEX, it is essential to plan adoption and engagement strategies. Think phasing rollout to bring users aboard in stages and iron out the platform in live conditions. Get your support infrastructure in place to be able to respond quickly to feedback or problems.

To bring users in, launch growth programs like referral rewards, token airdrops, and staking incentives. These campaigns can immediately boost user interaction and liquidity, which are essential to a healthy trading ecosystem in the early stages.

Beyond promotions, focus on community engagement. Leverage platforms like Discord or X to fuel conversation, host AMAs (Ask Me Anything), and show your team’s openness. Educate your users on the benefits of a hybrid model: speedy execution, decentralized ownership of assets, and access to multiple layers of liquidity.

After going to the market with your hybrid exchange crypto project, don’t disappear—keep engaging, refining, and growing. The feedback loop with your user base is now your wellspring of innovation and retention.

Go to the market with the ready crypto exchange in 3 weeks

How to build a cryptocurrency exchange quickly and at a reasonable cost?

At Peiko, we have a great white-label solution for crypto exchanges that will allow you to launch your crypto platform 5-6 times faster than developing the project from scratch. Our ready-made, unique solution offers rich functionality and the ability to fully control the code. It is not typical for template solutions, but ours really stands out. 

The white-label solution we created included everything your users expect from a trading experience – a convenient Order Book and admin panel, TradingView candle charts, and outstanding transaction speed. Your future exchange will handle 10,000 transactions per second, the same as professional crypto exchanges that cost much more to develop.

ready-made solution for crypto exchange by Peiko

We know that users value when their orders are executed fast, and so your exchanges need high liquidity. This is why our experts connected Huobi and B2C2, liquidity providers with a strong reputation in the industry. If you need more providers, no problem – we can also help.  

Furthermore, our white-label solution provides top security. It includes multi-layer DDoS protection, two-factor authentication for login and withdrawals, dynamic user growth handling through autoscaling, and Fireblocks custody for secure storage of assets. 

If you want to launch your reliable and efficient crypto exchange before competitors, our white-label solution is the best choice.

Conclusion

In this guide, we have considered the main steps of hybrid crypto exchange development. The path begins from business planning and legal basis to the development of a secure and high-performance platform that will drive profit. 

It is essential to implement strong liquidity channels, craft a user-friendly design, and ensure your exchange can run smoothly and scale with user demand. 

Want to launch your own secure and user-friendly crypto exchange that users will like? You don’t have to spend years. Choose our white-label solution to get started in just 3 weeks at an affordable cost. Contact us today to learn how we can help you go faster, safer, and smarter.

FAQ

What are the advantages of a hybrid crypto exchange?

Hybrid exchanges provide ease of trading, reliability of trade, and liquidity depth of the centralized exchange. At the same time, HEXs comprise decentralized features such as non-custodial storage and on-chain transparency.

How does a hybrid crypto exchange differ from a traditional centralized exchange?

CEXs control all operations in-house. These operations include user fund management and trade execution. HEXs blend decentralized liberty with centralized efficiency. Users of HEXs can trade while having control over their funds through decentralized protocols.

    CONTENT

Cryptocurrency Exchange vs Broker: Key Differences

# Blockchain
20.05.2025
9 MIN
618
Dima Lebed
Dima Lebed
Co-founder & CTO at Peiko

There are two main types of platforms for crypto trading. These are brokers and exchanges.  Both brokers and exchanges offer users a platform to buy, sell, and trade digital assets. However, these trading platforms differ in terms of features, services, and operational methods. 

What is a crypto broker? Brokers are like intermediaries between buyers and sellers. They set the price of digital currencies without the need for price agreements between purchasers and sellers. Exchanges are platforms for crypto trading where buyers and sellers can interact directly. Changes in supply and demand determine the prices of assets.

In this article, we will take a closer look at the differences between crypto exchanges and brokers. 

What is a cryptocurrency exchange?

A cryptocurrency exchange is an online platform for crypto trading where users can sell, purchase, and trade digital currencies directly between themselves. 

Prices on these websites are set by real-time market forces—supply and demand. This results in constant price fluctuations. Exchanges typically have lower transaction fees than brokers, but they typically have more complex interfaces. Here, users have to contend with trading pairs, order books, and market charts.

pros and cons of crypto exchange

Examples of crypto exchange platforms 

Below are some examples of popular exchanges. By the way, if you want to start your own crypto exchange, we at Peiko have a white-label solution with which you can launch your platform in 3 weeks. 

  • Binance One of the premier CEX (centralized) crypto exchanges with a massive selection of digital currencies to trade. Traders have access to sophisticated features like futures and staking. 
  • Coinbase A popular crypto exchange with 8 million monthly transacting users that allows customers to buy, sell, and store cryptocurrencies. The platform supports both simple and sophisticated trading, catering mainly to beginners in terms of ease of use.
  • Kraken With its safety and vast asset selection, Kraken offers advanced trading capabilities and spot and futures trading options.
Want to start a robust crypto exchange?
Turn to Peiko!

What is a crypto broker?

A cryptocurrency broker is a site or service that enables people to buy, sell, and exchange cryptocurrencies. 

Similar to the case of stock brokers, crypto brokers act in the middle, facilitating transactions between traders and the wider crypto world. Users don’t buy cryptocurrency directly from the exchange—they buy it from brokers, who source the assets from exchanges or liquidity providers. 

Comparing brokerage vs exchange, the crypto-broke sites are more simplicity-focused, offering a less complex interface than most exchanges. Hence, these platforms are more appealing to beginners or newcomers to the crypto trading universe. Below, you can see what characterizes a crypto broker. 

pros and cons of crypto broker

Examples of platforms with broker-like services

Let’s consider some of the prominent examples of platforms that offer cryptocurrency broker services. 

  • eToro Operates as a broker platform with fixed spreads. Clients don’t own the underlying cryptocurrency unless it is deposited into a different wallet. It’s best for new investors or recreational traders.
  • Robinhood (crypto) Provides a simple, broker crypto trading experience where assets are bought and sold at fixed prices. But customers don’t take ownership of the physical digital coins.
  • Revolut A mobile bank app that enables users to buy cryptocurrencies at fixed prices, without touching market order books—fairly similar to a brokerage model.

Main differences between crypto exchanges and crypto brokers

Plan to create your own crypto project? It is vital to understand the core distinctions comparing crypto exchange vs broker. Both platforms offer access to crypto, but they serve different user needs, use cases, and have different technological models.

Below is the summary of the crucial distinctions of what characterizes a crypto broker and a crypto exchange. This table will help you choose the best model for your crypto project business plan and target group.

AspectCrypto exchangesCrypto brokers
Operation modePeer-to-peer websites where users trade directly with each other. Prices of assets are market-determinedWork as intermediaries, executing trades for users at fixed prices. Sometimes offer advisory and portfolio services
Pricing and feesApply transaction, deposit, or withdrawal fees, typically based on trading volumeCharge commissions or apply a markup to the asset price
SecurityEncryption, two-factor authentication (2FA), and cold storage, but with a greater risk of hacking because of high liquidity. Some are insuredUse cryptographic encryption, two-factor authentication, and cold storage. Generally safe for single users
User experience (UX)Advanced trading tools and more control, but a steeper learning curve for newbiesEasy-to-use and clear interfaces with customer support
Ownership of assetsUsers typically hold direct ownership of crypto and can transfer crypto assets to their external walletsUsers may not fully own the assets unless they move them to a personal wallet. But this depends on the broker’s policy
RegulationsVaries by jurisdiction. May require licenses such as VARA (UAE), MSB (FinCEN, U.S.), CASP (MiCA, EU) to offer trading and custody servicesRegulated as financial service providers. May need brokerage or investment licenses (SEC/FINRA, RIA in the U.S., or CASP under MiCA in the EU)
Target groupConvenient to newcomers, skilled traders, institutions, and those searching for full control over trading strategiesIdeal for newcomers in crypto or retail investors

Selecting the crypto exchange: When it makes strategic sense

Crafting a cryptocurrency exchange involves creating a full-fledged trading ecosystem in which users trade directly amongst themselves on an order book. This requires a more sophisticated backend, compliance system, and liquidity management than with crypto brokers.

However, constructing a crypto exchange does provide an excellent foundation for scaling and attracting a greater and more active user base.

When considering building a crypto exchange 

A reliable crypto trading platform will bring both high-volume activity and repeat engagement from users. If you approach the development process with proper planning, you will obtain great profit from this business project.

1. You aim to offer full-featured trading tools

Building a crypto exchange is your best choice if you want your platform to include advanced reading tools. Exchange enables different order types such as market, limit, and stop orders. Real-time charting and price discovery through peer-to-peer trading are also included in the functionality. 

2. Liquidity will be a core part of your business model

Exchanges operate by relying on active buyers and traders. How to support high liquidity? Implement the internal market-making, external liquidity integrations, or user incentives.

3. Target audience is traders with experience or institutional users

Professional traders are looking for real-time market depth, high-performance APIs (application programming interfaces), and other modern features. For beginners, it’s important to implement simpler interfaces or guided onboarding processes that help them get used to the platform with confidence.

4. You are ready to ensure top security measures

For users to trust your platform, you should integrate secure wallet management systems, such as hot and cold wallets, using platforms like Fireblocks. You should also use correct custody procedures and add transaction monitoring tools. 

5. You should support fiat on and off ramps and diverse trading pairs

Users expect to be able to convert between crypto and fiat or trade across various asset pairs. This means you should establish banking and liquidity partnerships.

6. Be prepared for strict regulatory obligations

If you want to operate legally, it is vital to consider registration under digital asset or securities frameworks, especially if custody and fiat services are involved. 

Essential strategic considerations

Below are the key strategic areas you’ll need to plan for when transforming your crypto exchange idea into a viable product. 

  • Technology It is essential to integrate a trading engine, wallet service, KYC (know your customer), and AML (anti-money laundering) modules. Also, ensure a scalable backend.
  • Compliance Expect local licensing, transaction monitoring, and potentially legal classification as a financial service provider.
  • Monetization Revenue comes from trading fees, asset listing fees, and services like staking or margin trading.
Create a crypto exchange users trust.
Use our white-label solution.

Choosing the broker model: Business-oriented view 

Creating a crypto brokerage platform provides you with pricing and execution control of trades. Comparing crypto broker vs exchange, broker doesn’t match buyers and sellers in real time but instead enables users to transact directly with the platform. This arrangement is typically more user-friendly for the general user.

When is it worth crafting a cryptocurrency broker platform

Below, we list the main cases where it is worth creating a crypto broker platform or a platform with broker-like services. 

1. The platform is intended for beginner users

Сrypto brokerages provide a seamless, simplified crypto trading experience. It is ideal for mobile apps or retail-focused financial platforms.

2. You want to control transaction pricing

Brokers internally determine buy/sell prices and generate revenue through spreads, rather than relying on dynamic market activity.

3. The product does not require advanced order matching

A crypto currency broker avoids traditional order books, enabling you to skip building a full trading engine.

4. You’re integrating crypto into an existing product

The model fits well into existing fintech apps, neobanks, or investment platforms that would wish to offer crypto but don’t have to be a full exchange.

5. You’re not ready for complicated regulatory rules

Brokers are typically licensed under existing financial services law, especially if they do not hold user funds or offer leverage.

Main strategic considerations

Here are the key factors to consider when planning your crypto brokerages infrastructure.

  • Liquidity sourcing Brokers typically source liquidity from third-party exchanges or aggregators to fill user orders.
  • Asset custody You may hold customer assets centrally or use custodial partners—depending on your security and legal strategy.
  • Revenue model The profit comes from spreads, transaction fees, or embedded pricing in fiat conversion prices.

Launch a crypto exchange in 3 weeks with a white-label solution

Building a crypto exchange from scratch is a costly and time-consuming process. But the Peiko team has a better option. Use our white-label crypto exchange solution and run your platform within 3 weeks. It’s an affordable and effective way to launch a feature-rich and reliable exchange. By the way, you will have complete code control and flexibility to make changes.

Our solution has everything your users need for smooth trading: real-time spot and market orders that execute in milliseconds. 

The solution features a powerful matching engine, a user-friendly Order Book, and many other tools for traders. For example, TradingView’s real-time candle charts help users navigate the market easily and make the best financial decisions. All these guarantee a fast and efficient trade experience.

white-label crypto exchange offered by Peiko

A significant consideration for any new exchange is liquidity support, so we connected our solution to Huobi and B2C2. These are two leading liquidity providers. This ensures that liquidity is never an issue, and the trading process will be seamless. If more liquidity is required, our experts will integrate additional providers to further support your crypto platform.

Furthermore, our platform is built with the highest security standards in mind. It features Fireblocks custody integration, two-factor authentication, and KYC verification using SumSub, providing total regulatory compliance. Blockchain fee validation before withdrawals and user profile customization provide that extra layer of convenience and security.

Let’s consider other important features of our modern crypto exchange platform:

  • Over 52 pre-integrated trading pairs. New pairs can be integrated in under a minute.
  • No internal trading fees for your users, just Binance.
  • Full compatibility with AWS, Google Cloud, and Azure for horizontally scalable deployment.
  • Horizontally scalable backend architecture with a fully customizable codebase.
  • Admin access to platform settings, fees, and commission rates.

To create an exchange from scratch, you will need up to two years, but with our solution, the development is much quicker and cost-effective.

Moreover, the whole cryptocurrency exchange platform launch process is typically 5 to 6 times less expensive than tailored development.

Conclusion

If you have to choose between developing a crypto currency broker and an exchange, it’s essential to understand the difference between them. A broker platform is an intermediary between purchasers and traders. Here, users can buy and sell cryptocurrencies at fixed prices. Usually, top crypto brokers offer a simpler, more beginner-friendly experience. 

A crypto exchange enables users to trade directly with one another, with prices driven by market supply and demand. Comparing broker vs exchange, exchanges offer traders more flexibility and control over the assets.

Want to launch your crypto exchange and start attracting users? Peiko’s white-label solution is a great option if you want to launch a crypto exchange quickly. With our ready-med solution, you can go live in just 3 weeks. There are no long development cycles and high costs.

Contact us today to start building your advanced platform with Peiko!

FAQ

What’s the difference in the comparison of crypto exchange vs brokerage?

On exchanges, people can trade with each other at market-driven prices. A broker sells or purchases crypto at a set price. Brokers are more convenient to use for newbies in crypto. But crypto exchanges provide more complex trading features.

Is Binance a broker or exchange?

It is a cryptocurrency exchange. This popular and reliable crypto trading platform allows users to trade assets with one another at prevailing market prices.

Is a crypto exchange a broker?

No. Crypto exchanges are sites where users can trade with each other. The costs of assets are influenced by supply and demand fluctuations. Crypto brokers are intermediaries that set their own prices.

What is the best crypto exchange in the US?

Coinbase, Kraken, and Gemini are the top crypto exchanges in the US. These platforms have strong regulatory standing, advanced trading functionality, and a wide user base.

What is the largest crypto prime brokerage?

Coinbase Prime, Galaxy Digital, and BitGo Prime are the largest crypto prime brokerages. These platforms provide users with trading, custody, and institutional services.

    CONTENT

Featured articles

Best Crypto Exchange in UAE: 8 Safest Platforms 2025

# Security & Compliance
13.05.2025
11 MIN
368
Dima Lebed
Dima Lebed
Co-founder & CTO at Peiko

The United Arab Emirates is a well-known worldwide center for crypto assets where blockchain technology develops. Now, the crypto community’s attention is focused on the underlying infrastructure that supports the crypto trading process. For a business owner who wants to create the best crypto exchange UAE, it is vital to know what makes a safe, compliant, and competitive platform in this jurisdiction.

In this article, we will consider the UAE’s top 8 most reliable and regulation-abiding crypto exchanges for 2025. Become one of those who are crafting the next generation of crypto trading UAE platforms. Read this article and get insight into how leading exchanges ensure technical security, regulatory compliance, scalability, and localization.

From globally leading exchanges like Bybit or Binance to homegrown crypto giants like Rain, we will explore the most popular crypto exchanges in detail. This overview is for brave startuppers who are working towards creating crypto’s future in the Middle East and have bold business ideas.

Main criteria for evaluating crypto exchange safety

For those interested in developing a crypto exchange UAE, it is essential to keep it safe and compliant. As the UAE continues to solidify its role as a hub for crypto assets, it is vital to meet global best practices alongside local regulatory guidelines. 

Have an idea to start a cryptocurrency exchange in Dubai or another city in the UAE? Safety is one of the most vital aspects you should pay attention to. Below, we will consider the top criteria to apply when evaluating the safety of a crypto exchange within this country.

1. Regulatory compliance

In the UAE, regulatory adherence is a critical aspect of exchange security. Dubai Virtual Assets Regulatory Authority (VARA) is a prime regulator of the crypto arena with a steady regulatory environment for exchanges. 

The Abu Dhabi Global Market Financial Services Regulatory Authority (ADGM FSRA) and the Dubai Financial Services Authority (DFSA) are also the leading regulators that govern crypto exchanges.

main UAE crypto regulators

VARA 

This is the exclusive regulator of virtual assets within the Emirate of Dubai (except DIFC). It was specifically formed to license and regulate crypto exchanges, custodians, brokers, advisory platforms, and other VASP businesses.

Brief note: The Dubai International Financial Centre (DIFC) is a prominent financial free zone in Dubai, serving as a gateway for financial institutions, investment firms, and fintech companies operating in the Middle East, Africa, and South Asia (MEASA) region. The DIFC provides an internationally recognized platform for financial services and innovation, distinguishing itself with a distinct regulatory and legal environment.

So, how to obtain a license to be a Virtual Asset Service Provider (VASP) in Dubai?

  • Step 1: Submit a licensing application to VARA
  • Step 2: Clearly define your business model and virtual asset services you will offer
  • Step 3: Show compliance with AML (anti-money laundering) and KYC (know your customer), cybersecurity standards, and governance policies
  • Step 4: Meet capital adequacy and financial stability requirements
  • Step 5: Submit all required documentation and wait for VARA’s formal assessment and approval

FSRA 

Operating in the Abu Dhabi Global Market (ADGM), a financial free zone within the UAE, the FSRA provides a comprehensive legal framework for virtual asset service providers and crypto exchanges. 

It demands strict compliance with AML and counter-terrorist financing (CTF) rules, along with imposing stringent cybersecurity practices. These FSRA-registered exchanges are subjected to stringent standards of operational prudence, investor protection, and governance. Continuous audit and regular monitoring ensure that these websites remain responsible and accessible.

To be running legally under FSRA in ADGM:

  • Step 1: Read FSRA’s crypto asset framework and decide what kind of license you need (exchange, custody, etc.)
  • Step 2: Set up your product/services and submit an application via ADGM’s online portal
  • Step 3: Adhere to AML/CTF rules (according to Financial Action Task Force guidelines), KYC practices, cybersecurity, and operating risk mitigation, and corporate governance framework
  • Step 4: Show that you have adequate capital and liquidity
  • Step 5: Clear regulatory due diligence and await approval

DFSA 

It is the financial regulator within the DIFC, Dubai’s well-known global finance hub. While the DFSA was more conservative in the early days of crypto, it now allows security tokens and investment tokens, and has begun expanding its virtual asset rules.

To get licensed by the DFSA in the DIFC and start crypto exchanges in Dubai, you should do the following:

  • Step 1: Review DFSA’s regulatory guidelines for digital assets
  • Step 2: Define the specific nature of your crypto services (advising, trading, custody, etc.)
  • Step 3: Remain in full conformity with AML/KYC regulations, market conduct rules, risk management, and internal control frameworks
  • Step 4: Apply via the DIFC’s regulatory portal with an elaborate business plan, compliance organization, and operational documents
  • Step 5: Proceed through the DFSA’s application process and obtain licensing (in the event of approval)
Key crypto regulators in the UAE landscape
RegulatorJurisdictionFocusApplies to
VARADubai (excluding DIFC)Virtual assets onlyCrypto exchanges, wallets, custodians, brokers
FSRA (ADGM)Abu Dhabi Global MarketFull digital asset regulationVASPs, custodians, token issuers
DFSA (DIFC)Dubai International Financial CentreSecurity tokens, regulated crypto financeInstitutional-grade exchanges, tokenized assets

2. Security infrastructure

Security is an integral component of any reputable crypto exchange. A reliable blockchain development company will help you ensure top security, while creating a crypto trading UAE platform. Key security elements are:

Two-factor authentication (2FA)

Enabling two-factor authentication is a key security feature to prevent unauthorized account access. As compared to using a password, 2FA requires users to authenticate their presence through another means of verification, such as a time-based code generated using an authenticator app (such as Google Authenticator or Authy), or sent via SMS or email.

For crypto exchanges, the best practice is to:

  • Implement 2FA for critical activities such as logins, cash withdrawals, or changing account settings.
  • Prioritize TOTP-based methods over SMS to reduce SIM-swapping attacks.
  • Provide hardware authentication key functionality (e.g., YubiKey) for clients and internal teams handling sensitive systems.

Cold storage solutions

Offline cold wallets like Ledger Nano S or Trezor are essential hardware devices for protecting most assets held in exchanges from cyberattacks. Such wallets have no internet connection and thus are immune to most cyberattacks.

Exchange best practices include:

  • Having most user funds (typically 90% or more) stored in offline hardware wallets like Trezor or Ledger, or custom-built cold storage solutions.
  • Using multi-signature wallets requiring multiple approvals to make transfers, minimizing internal risk.
  • Securely backing up in geographically disparate locations to prevent single-point failure.
  • Having all transfers between hot and cold wallets watched and verified by internal processes.

Asset insurance coverage

Insurance assists with exchange credibility by offering financial recourse in the event of hacks, internal theft, or operational breakdown. While not all insurance insures all types of loss, most large exchanges now purchase policies that insure hot crypto wallet funds or theft events.

  • Partner with reputable insurers that offer crypto-specific coverage.
  • Be transparent with users about what assets are insured, levels of coverage, and what is excluded.
  • Seek policies that include protection against insider threats, phishing attacks, or technical failures.

AML and KYC protocols

Effective anti-money laundering and know-your-customer policies have to be developed in order to build a secure and compliant crypto exchange. These systems are implemented to identify and prevent certain illegal activities such as money laundering, identity theft, and funding terrorism.

AML procedures typically include monitoring of real-time transactions, filing of suspicious behavior, and the submission of suspicious activity reports to relevant authorities. Exchanges are also required to conduct risk-based due diligence and maintain an internal audit plan to track compliance.

KYC is about verifying the identities of users. This is most typically done through official government identification, address verification, and, in some instances, biometric authentication. Not a formality, KYC is an essential part of platform integrity and trust in users.

3. Transparency and auditing

Transparency is a critical component of trust in crypto exchanges, especially in countries such as the UAE, where regulatory compliance is seriously considered. Transparent exchanges that are open to their operations and regularly audited by third parties show accountability.

A trustworthy platform is one that honestly reveals its in-house processes, specifies user policies, and provides transparency into managing and securing money.

Regular external audits by independent firms are a vital part of the process. They help confirm the security position of the exchange, its financial soundness, and regulatory compliance. Audits serve as a check, ensuring the platform is held accountable by its users as well as the regulatory bodies that oversee the industry. 

In many cases, exchanges are also expected to provide proof of reserves or verifiable reports that show assets are securely held and fully backed.

Regulators such as VARA, DFSA, and FSRA make transparency one of their essential compliance and licensing requirements. Such an exchange providing transparent documentation, offering audit trails, and meeting regulatory reporting demands is much more likely to generate long-term credibility and user confidence.

4. Liquidity and market stability

An exchange’s ability to handle large quantities of trades without influencing prices is another safety measurement requirement. Strong liquidity eliminates risks of market volatility and makes buying or selling assets a convenient affair. High liquidity exchanges like Binance diminish price manipulation or slippage possibilities, thereby ensuring a more secure trading environment.

Market stability also refers to how much an exchange adheres to local financial regulations and manages risk, ensuring consistent and predictable operations.

5. Customer support and education

Proper customer support is essential to a safe user experience. Exchanges must provide:

  • 24/7 customer support availability, ideally local UAE representatives.
  • A fast response time, particularly in the event of security compromise or technical issues.
  • Plain instructional content like FAQs and guides to security best practices.
  • Support team that enables quick issue resolution for users, which is critical to maintaining safety on the platform.

Strong customer support coupled with clear educational content isn’t just good service—it’s a necessary line of defense. Educated users and responsive support together teams lower risks, build platform trust, and create a safer ecosystem overall.

Launching crypto exchange in 3 months?
It is a reality!

Top 8 safest crypto exchanges in the UAE in 2025 

In this section, we highlight eight of the safest crypto exchanges which are currently operational within the UAE in 2025. We have selected them on the basis of their regulatory status, security protocols, and overall commitment towards delivering a credible trading experience.

Binance 

This platform is among the largest and most diversified cryptocurrency exchanges in the world, offering a vast range of trading pairs, staking, lending, and even NFTs. Known for its emphasis on trading innovation and liquidity, Binance remains a favorite platform for both new and seasoned traders. 

This UAE crypto exchange supports over 500 cryptocurrencies, including Bitcoin, Ethereum, and Binance Coin (BNB), and several trading options like spot trading, margin trading, and futures.

Binance is one of the top UAE crypto exchanges

Global leading cryptocurrency exchange Binance has managed to get regulatory approval in several parts of the world, including the UAE. Up to April 2024, Binance had secured a Virtual Asset Service Provider license by the Virtual Assets Regulatory Authority in Dubai. The accreditation enables Binance to serve individual and institutional clients alike in the emirate. 

Further, Binance boasts a Financial Services Permission (FSP) of Abu Dhabi Global Market’s Financial Services Regulatory Authority, thus enabling it to offer institutional-standard solutions such as custody services.

Advantages:

  • Worldwide coverage and liquidity This Dubai crypto exchange offers a wide selection of cryptocurrencies and trading pairs, which attracts high liquidity to its platform.
  • Advanced trading features The platform has diverse trading options, including spot, margin, futures, and options, making it highly suitable for advanced traders.
  • Low commission Binance offers some of the most competitive commissions in the market, which makes it lucrative to high-frequency traders.
  • Regulated in the UAE Binance holds a legitimate license from VARA, which increases its credibility and trust in the crypto exchange UAE market.

Disadvantages:

  • Overwhelming for newcomers Due to its array of features and services, the Binance platform is overwhelming for new users.
  • Regulatory issues Binance has encountered regulatory issues in several countries due to its decentralized nature, which has raised alarms in some markets.
  • Customer support issues In times of high traffic, the customer service of Binance might be slow in responding to users’ queries or solving their problems.

Rain 

A blockchain cryptocurrency exchange with its initial headquarters in Bahrain has made inroads into the UAE markets and has become a favorite go-to platform throughout the Middle East. 

Rain is a secure and regulated platform where customers can trade fiat to cryptocurrencies with local currencies supported as deposits in either AED or BHD. Rain predominantly has Bitcoin, Ethereum, and a combination of stablecoins and altcoins support.

Rain is one of the top UAE crypto exchanges

By the way, it is one of the first UAE cryptocurrency exchanges to be licensed as a VASP by VARA. To date, as of 2025, Rain is fully regulated and in line with the strict regulations of the UAE, making it a reputable platform within the region. It is also one of the limited exchanges which are in line with the UAE’s AML and KYC requirements, making the exchange in full compliance with best-in-class security and compliance standards.

Advantages:

  • Regulated in the UAE Rain is completely regulated by VARA, ensuring users of its regulatory status and security.
  • Local currency support The exchange facilitates deposits and withdrawals in AED, making it particularly convenient for UAE users.
  • Security emphasis Rain places great emphasis on security, including features like cold storage of most user funds, multi-signature wallets, and deposit insurance.
  • Educational resources The site has various educational materials to help users understand crypto trading, as well as enhance their information on security.

Disadvantages:

  • Smaller cryptocurrency portfolio When compared to larger exchanges like Coinbase or Binance, Rain has a limited portfolio of cryptocurrencies.
  • Increased fees The fees associated with Rain’s trading tend to be higher than those of some of its competitors in the market.
  • Basic trading features While most appropriate for beginners, Rain’s features are perhaps not as advanced as those of exchanges intended for more experienced traders.

Bitget 

A globally recognized centralized crypto exchange known for its strong emphasis on derivatives trading and copy trading. The platform allows users to engage in margin and futures trading with leverage, offering sophisticated tools tailored to professional traders. One of its standout features is the ability for users to copy the trades of top investors, making it a preferred choice for many who wish to emulate successful strategies.

Bitget is the best crypto exchange UAE

This crypto exchange in Dubai has yet to secure a VASP license from VARA or any other regulatory authority in the UAE. As a result, while the exchange operates globally, it is not officially authorized to function within the UAE. Nonetheless, Bitget is a popular platform, especially due to its advanced trading features.

Advantages:

  • Copy trading feature Bitget offers a unique option to replicate the trades of leading investors, which is ideal for beginners or those looking to automate their trading strategies.
  • Leverage options The platform provides high leverage for derivative trades, offering skilled traders the opportunity to generate higher potential returns.
  • Global recognition Bitget has a strong presence in the global market, particularly renowned for its derivatives offerings.

Disadvantages:

  • No UAE license The lack of regulatory approval in the UAE may raise concerns regarding the platform’s security and legal compliance.
  • Limited fiat integration Bitget does not facilitate direct fiat deposits, which could create challenges for users in the UAE trying to fund their accounts.
  • Derivatives-centric While Bitget excels in advanced trading tools, it may not be the best choice for users interested in basic spot trading.

MEXC

A worldwide crypto exchange that boasts an impressive variety of cryptocurrencies and trading pairs. This best crypto exchange Dubai is highly reputed for its fast trade execution and extensive variety of derivative products. The platform is suited for traders with different expertise levels.

MEXC is the best crypto exchange UAE

MEXC does not possess a license from any of the regulatory authorities in the UAE, such as VARA, FSRA, or DFSA. However, it is still considered the best cryptocurrency exchange in UAE. 

Advantages:

  • Broad variety of cryptocurrencies MEXC boasts a broad list of digital currencies that range from popular ones to some less common altcoins.
  • Competitive trading fees It has competitive trading fees that make it very attractive to high-volume traders.
  • Easy-to-use interface MEXC is renowned for having a simple and user-friendly interface that is incredibly beneficial for first-time users.

Disadvantages:

  • No UAE licensing The fact that it lacks a regulatory license within the UAE is something that could be a cause for concern.
  • Limited fiat support MEXC lacks direct fiat-to-crypto support, which can limit entry for new users in the UAE.
  • Slow customer support MEXC customer support takes time to respond, especially during peak traffic or when handling complex issues.
Ready to start crypto exchange?
We have cost-effective option!

Bybit 

Another popular cryptocurrency Dubai derivatives exchange that caters to retail and professional investors. It has high liquidity and advanced trading features, and Bybit provides leveraged crypto assets trading. Bybit also provides perpetual contracts, future contracts, and other derivatives, which makes it most popular among professional investors.

Bybit is the best crypto exchange UAE

Bybit received a provisional VASP license from VARA in 2024 but has yet to finalize all of the regulatory processes necessary to conduct business in the UAE. While the platform is moving forward with compliance efforts, it is not yet fully licensed to continue business in the area.

Strengths:

  • Advanced trading tools Bybit offers complex charting tools, leverage, and variety in trading products, making it desirable for expert traders.
  • Good liquidity The website ensures that the platform is highly liquid in variety of cryptocurrencies, enhancing the trading experience.
  • Easy to use for professionals Although it is professional-grade, Bybit’s interface is still easy to use for amateurs after gaining experience.

Disadvantages:

  • Provisional licensing Bybit’s UAE regulatory status is pending, which can create uncertainty over its long-term standing in the country.
  • Derivatives-centric Bybit’s derivative-centric trading orientation makes it more suitable for advanced traders, which may not appeal to those interested in basic spot trading.
  • Limited fiat integration Bybit does not directly support fiat-to-crypto trades, which can limit the access for UAE residents to trade with fiat currencies.

OKX

A leading international cryptocurrency exchange that provides a wide range of services such as spot trade, futures, staking, and DeFi (decentralized finance) products. Also considered as one of the top Dubai crypto exchanges.

OKX is considered the best cryptocurrency exchange in uae

This Dubai crypto exchange was issued a VASP license by the Virtual Assets Regulatory Authority in early 2024, and its business is now pending final regulatory approval. The licence will allow OKX to offer an end-to-end suite of services to its clients in the UAE when it is fully licensed, such as trading, staking, and custody options.

Advantages:

  • Comprehensive service range OKX offers a comprehensive range of services from trading to staking, lending, and DeFi products according to different user needs.
  • Top-class security The platform employs latest encryption technologies and safe cold storage solutions to secure users’ capital.
  • Regulated in the UAE Once fully licensed, OKX will be a regulated entity in the UAE, providing increased confidence and safety to users.

Drawbacks:

  • Provisional licensing As OKX is yet to be finally approved by the regulator, its operations in the UAE are not yet fully complete, and this can generate uncertainty for the users.
  • Complex interface The wide range of sophisticated features available on the site can be intimidating to new traders, which may make it challenging for them.
  • Limited fiat support As with most exchanges, OKX has limited support for fiat-crypto, and this may become restrictive for some users.

eToro 

It is the best crypto exchange in Dubai and other cities in the UAE that has an easy-to-use interface, social trading functionality, and numerous assets. Apart from the common assets such as stocks, commodities, and ETFs, eToro also accommodates cryptocurrency UAE trading. Social trading functionality within the platform allows one to follow the actions of successful traders.

eToro is considered the best cryptocurrency exchange in uae

eToro is licensed in various regions around the world, including obtaining a cryptocurrency trading license in the UAE. Authorized by VARA, eToro can provide its crypto trading services to residents in the UAE.

Advantages:

  • Simple interface for newbies eToro suits beginners starting off with trading or those who want a simple and easy-to-use platform.
  • Social trading capability The platform enables users to copy the strategies of top traders, making it easy for new entrants to learn.
  • Regulated in the UAE With full regulatory approval in the UAE, eToro is in full compliance with local regulations.

Drawbacks:

  • Comparatively high charges eToro fees can be higher than on some other exchanges, particularly when withdrawing.
  • Limited cryptocurrency selection This platform boasts fewer cryptocurrencies offered compared to some other major exchanges like Binance.
  • Limited features for crypto professionals Advanced traders may feel that eToro is lacking some of the more advanced trading tools and options.

Crypto.com

A global leader in cryptocurrency service that has it all from buying and selling cryptocurrency to making interest off of one’s assets by staking. Its platform is open to beginner and experienced traders alike and offers a staggering list of cryptocurrencies and financial products.

Crypto com is considered the best cryptocurrency exchange in uae

Crypto.com is licensed in the UAE by VARA and offers a full spectrum of services as per local regulatory needs.

Pros:

  • Comprehensive suite of services Crypto.com offers a comprehensive suite of services, from trading cryptocurrency in UAE, debit card, and staking options.
  • Regulated in UAE Crypto.com is regulated by VARA, ensuring that local regulations are being followed.
  • Huge number of cryptocurrencies Crypto.com offers access to over 400 cryptocurrencies.

Cons:

  • Complexity for beginners Crypto.com’s platform can be challenging for new users who have limited experience with UAE cryptocurrency trading.
  • Withdrawal charges Consumers experience exorbitant charges while withdrawing money or converting cryptocurrencies.
  • Restricted customer support The support system of Crypto.com is not always reactive, and this can prove to be annoying during peak demand periods.
Need reliable crypto exchange?
Choose white-label solution!

Comparison table: Safety features at a glance

We previously reviewed the regulatory status and general offerings of the top 8 crypto exchanges popular in the UAE. Now it’s time to dive into what truly matters for long-term trust: security measures and infrastructure.

The following table compares the primary safety features these platforms have adopted, offering a clear vision of how every exchange is taking user safety seriously in the UAE’s thriving crypto landscape.

ExchangeMulti-signature2FA & authenticationInsurance fundAI & monitoringRegulatory compliance
BinanceYesYes (incl. YubiKey)YesYesVARA, FSRA
RainYesYesYesNoCBB (Central Bank of Bahrain), FSRA
BitgetYesYesYesNoNone
MEXCYesYesYesNoNone
BybitYesYes (incl. YubiKey)YesYesNone
OKXYesYesYesYesNone
eToroYesYesYesNoVARA
Crypto.comYesYesYesNoVARA

Build your own reliable crypto exchange in 3 weeks with Peiko 

To enter the crypto market fast, you don’t need to build a crypto exchange from scratch. There is a more straightforward solution: our fully customized, white-label crypto exchange, you can launch in as little as 2–3 weeks. 

Our experts made this solution for those who want to start a crypto business fast, without compromising on security, performance, or compliance.

Whether you’re targeting institutional traders, retail users, or regional markets, our ready-made best crypto trading platform in UAE delivers enterprise-grade capabilities from day one.

The main advantages of our white-label solution 

Our white-label exchange solution offers everything needed to run a professional trading platform, rivaling top-tier exchanges like Binance. It’s fully customizable, deployed on your infrastructure, and ready to scale.

  • Built on a microservices architecture for blistering speeds and upgradable modularity
  • Admin control panel with full fee, user behavior, and commission structure management
  • Advanced trading engine with real-time order matching and TradingView charting
  • Integrated liquidity from top providers like Huobi and B2C2
  • No internal trading fees to clients (optional), just like Binance’s offering
  • Ownership of custom code—no vendor lock-in
white-label crypto solution for UAE

Enterprise-grade security: Users will be protected

Security is the base of our exchange platform. We’ve integrated leading technologies and modern practices applied by the world’s safest exchanges:

Fireblocks custody integration

Your funds are stored with Fireblocks, a highly secure digital asset custodian—i.e., institutional-grade protection.

DDoS protection

Built-in multi-level defense systems prevent distributed denial-of-service attacks from reaching your exchange, keeping it online and abuse-free.

Two-factor authentication

Login and withdrawal actions are secured by 2FA (Google Authenticator, SMS, or email), helping to prevent accounts from unauthorized access.

KYC & AML compliance through SumSub

Seamless onboarding and identification verification fully compliant with local regulations, including UAE regulators VARA, DFSA, and FSRA.

Autoscaling & high availability

The system auto-scales based on user traffic to prevent crashes or slowing down—during peak trading periods as well.

white-label crypto exchange solution for UAE

Best trading features that users like

This is not another clone of an exchange. Your users get to enjoy a seamless, high-performance experience:

  • Millisecond execution of spot and market orders
  • Dynamic OrderBook and advanced matching algo for best price
  • TradingView charts for in-depth technical analysis
  • 52+ trading pairs from day one—new assets can be easily added within 5 minutes
  • Liquidity bots to provide depth and activity to the markets
  • Full order and transaction history, personal dashboard, notifications, and more

While building a crypto exchange Dubai from the ground up takes 18–24 months, our white-label solution is available in 2–3 weeks. It’s deployed on your own servers, so you own the code—providing long-term flexibility and cost savings.

Whether you’re moving into the UAE’s growing crypto economy or launching elsewhere, our solution is meant to scale, comply, and evolve. It is integrable with the top cloud providers like AWS, Azure, and Google Cloud, and completely ready for ongoing growth.

Let us help you launch quicker, operate more securely, and grow wiser in today’s booming crypto economy.

Conclusion

The UAE is already considered a global hub for digital assets, and it’s a great country to start your crypto business. Leading exchanges, such as Binance, Bybit, and Crypto.com, as well as locally licensed players like Rain, set the benchmark for what it takes to do business safely and within the law. 

As you already discovered, the most recognized crypto exchanges are built on fundamental pillars. These are in compliance with AML and KYC policies and local regulations. These pillars also include robust cybersecurity architecture, transparent business models, and, of course, high-performance, scalable systems. 

Are you looking to step into the crypto space? You have two ways. You can build the crypto exchange Dubai from the ground up or pick a secure, solid, and customizable white-label solution. The second way is faster and less expensive than choosing development from scratch. Whether you’re targeting users in the UAE or going global, our solution gives you everything you need to launch a professional exchange with confidence.

Contact us now and take the first step towards launching your reliable and secure crypto trading platform. Be faster and smarter than the competition!

FAQ

How to trade cryptocurrency in UAE?

Users can pick a regulated Dubai cryptocurrency exchange like Rain or eToro. Then, they should do identity verification, deposit, and trade directly on the chosen platform.

How to buy crypto in UAE?

Users need to choose the best crypto trading platform in Dubai and sign up here. They should verify their information, and purchase crypto using AED (United Arab Emirates Dirham). User can do it via bank transfer, card, or digital wallet.

Can you use Coinbase in UAE?

Coinbase exists in the UAE. However, this platform is not locally regulated. Some services may be limited, for example, AED-based ones.

Which is the most used crypto wallet in UAE?

MetaMask, Trust Wallet, and Binance Wallet are great choices. Many users also utilize hardware wallets like Ledger or Trezor for top security.

Is Binance legal as a cryptocurrency exchange Dubai?

Yes. This cryptocurrency exchange in Dubai operates under a provisional license by VARA – the virtual asset regulator of the city.

    CONTENT

How Much Does It Cost to Start a Crypto Exchange in 2025?

# Blockchain
29.04.2025
10 Min
271
Dima Lebed
Dima Lebed
Co-founder & CTO at Peiko

Want to create a top-notch cryptocurrency exchange in 2025? Maybe you have done some research and understand that it’s not a cheap endeavor. 

On the basis of functionality and size, initial investment can range from $137,000 to well over $300,000—assuming you are also adding state-of-the-art features. These functionalities include real-time Order Book systems, margin trading capabilities, institutional-level security, and more. Licensing, hosting, and ongoing technical support also add cost to the final cryptocurrency exchange software price. 

But for those who prefer to enter the market without shouldering the expense of the high upfront cost, there is a smarter way. Our white-label crypto exchange offering is a fast, affordable way in—only $95,000. 

Now, let’s talk about the cryptocurrency exchange development cost and consider which expenses are included in this development process.

Core development costs

Projected cost: $80,000 – $120,000

How to start a crypto exchange and how much the development services cost? Creating a CEX from the ground up is a multidisciplinary process that takes more than coding. To be successful, an exchange needs to possess a sound technology base, legal soundness, and a trustworthy operational component.  

A typical startup budget to start cryptocurrency exchange will significantly depend on the location of the development team and experience. 

How expertise and team location influence pricing

Development cost and quality rely on geography and team expertise:

India: Developers might provide full-platform builds for as little as $10,000, but they tend to be weakly optimized and unstable. Firms that charge $50,000–$80,000 manage to provide somewhat higher quality, although concerns about quality and reliability among developers remain.

Ukraine: Prices can begin at $40,000–$50,000 for novice teams, but skilled Ukrainian developers usually charge between $150,000–$400,000, depending on the feature set and complexity of the exchange.

Europe: European businesses usually operate between the $400,000 to $600,000 range, which reflects a balance between the level of quality, project management, and security.

United States: Development firms based in the United States are the most expensive, ranging from $400,000 to over $1 million. These generally include high-level development practices, robust compliance systems, and constant maintenance.

Essential crypto exchange development components

Below is a segmentation of the key development elements necessary to build a robust exchange infrastructure.

key elements that determine the cost to start a crypto exchange

Order matching engine

This is the core of the exchange—handling matching and executing trades properly and quickly. Building a low-latency fault-tolerant engine requires special knowledge and extensive testing.

Wallet system integration

Having hot and cold wallet infrastructure support is vital to create cryptocurrency exchange , ensure that users’ funds are secure and that fast transactions are supported. Wallet integration needs multi-blockchain support and be capable of supporting deposits, withdrawals, and secure storage.

User interface (frontend)

A fluid and user-friendly interface is the heart of a good trading experience. This includes the aesthetics and feel of trading dashboards, order pages, asset overviews, and individual account sections. 

Admin control panel

Platform operators need to be able to access a secure backend for support request handling, fee changes, trade watching, and user administration. The backend should also provide reporting and access controls.

Security architecture

Securing user information and funds is crucial. This entails:

  • Implementing 2FA (two-factor authentication)
  • Using end-to-end encryption
  • Implementing anti-DDoS and anti-phishing security
  • Implementing role-based access management

Third-party integrations

Outside services are sometimes necessary for exchanges to use for KYC (know your customer) verification, liquidity, payment processing, and blockchain access. These exchange services must be integrated with secure connections and strong APIs (application programming interfaces).

Legal and compliance costs

Projected cost: $20,000 – $40,000+

Compliance is no longer an option for the crypto world—it’s operationally a fact now. Your exchange requires time, paperwork, and expert advice to meet local and global legal standards. All these services also influence the price to start cryptocurrency exchange

Entity development & jurisdiction establishment

Selecting your jurisdiction and making your operation formal is step one. Keep in mind that legal setup, licensing, and ongoing compliance services costs vary greatly depending on jurisdiction.

  • UAE (Dubai): Crypto-supportive jurisdiction with licensing typically ranging from $50,000 to $100,000.
  • USA: One of the most expensive and bureaucratic regions, with fees often in excess of $150,000–$300,000+.
  • Europe & Offshore: In jurisdictions like Poland, Baltics, or offshore destinations (e.g., BVI), adherence can be cheaper—usually $20,000 to $70,000.

Licensing requirements

How to start a crypto exchange legally? Most crypto exchanges utilize a license, which includes:

Virtual Asset Service Provider (VASP) license

This license is required in certain jurisdictions for firms that have dealings with digital assets, i.e., crypto exchanges or wallet services. It ensures that these firms are compliant with regulations intended to avoid money laundering and terrorism financing.

Money Services Business (MSB) registration

In the US, all businesses that engage with cryptocurrency are required to register as an MSB with FinCEN. This classification includes businesses that engage in money transmission or currency exchange, and they must have anti-money laundering policies and submit regular compliance reports.

Cryptocurrency exchange license

A broad term to describe the legal authorization necessary to run a crypto exchange. Nations vary in their licensing needs, but typically encompass regulatory control, protection of customers, and financial accountability.

KYC/AML compliance

You will need to implement an identity authentication system for users and report suspicious activity, according to anti-money laundering (AML) and know your customer regulations. This typically encompasses:

  • Issuing KYC/AML guidelines
  • Installing identity verification vendors
  • Logging and monitoring transactions

Legal documentation

Clear, well-written legal papers are crucial to protecting your business and building trust with users. They are:

  • Terms of service
  • Privacy policy
  • Risk disclosures
  • User agreements

Continuing legal counsel

With changing laws, continuous legal guidance is required to stay compliant across jurisdictions and keep internal policies up-to-date. 

Regulatory errors can lead to heavy fines or being shut down. Investing in compliance ahead of time reduces legal risk and instills credibility into your platform.

Want to launch crypto exchange fast?
Turn to Peiko!

Operational costs

Projected cost: $2,000 – $40,000

How much does it cost to start a cryptocurrency exchange? The price consists of many components. Apart from development and regulation, running a crypto exchange comes with operational overhead. These are the backend and periodic costs needed to have your platform up and running and scale with demand.

Server infrastructure and hosting

Crypto exchanges must be hosted on high-performance servers with scalability, data redundancy, and 24/7 uptime. Solutions such as AWS or Google Cloud are utilized for this purpose.

System maintenance and support

Continuous enhancements, bug fixes, and updates are part of running a live trading environment. These include server monitoring, version upgrades, and performance tuning.

User support services

Active customer support helps users to cope with issues like delayed transactions, login problems, or identity verification problems. Choices include live chat, ticket systems, or outsourced helpdesk services.

Fraud detection and monitoring

To maintain platform integrity, you’ll need tools for detecting suspicious transactions and monitoring user activity. Advanced analytics and alert systems are often integrated for this purpose.

Marketing strategy and community building

An exchange’s success depends heavily on user acquisition and retention. Initial marketing campaigns, influencer partnerships, SEO, and referral programs should all be factored into the launch strategy.

Sustained operations determine the long-term viability of your exchange. Launch success is only the beginning—getting users engaged and keeping the platform stable is what drives sustained growth.

Ongoing maintenance and upgrades

Typical yearly cost: $20,000 – $50,000 (scale and complexity dependant)

Having a crypto exchange operational is only the first hurdle—the true challenge is keeping it efficient and reliable. In the fast-evolving digital asset environment, technology evolves rapidly, as do user demands and regulatory obligations. To be competitive, your exchange will require continuous technical maintenance and the occasional update. 

How much does it cost to make a cryptocurrency exchange? To provide a clear answer, we should consider what continuous technical requirements include:

main operational costs to start your own crypto exchange

Security monitoring and updates

Given the high-risk status of crypto exchanges, both centralized and decentralized, regular vulnerability scanning is crucial. This means the application of security patches, firewall updates, and the performance of penetration tests to identify and fix potential threats before they reach users.

System and software updates

Matching engines, wallets, APIs, and admin panels on exchanges need continuous updates for performance improvement, bug fixing, and compatibility with emerging tech standards.

Blockchain networks frequently release updates or forks, which require timely adjustments to your platform to maintain uninterrupted services and ensure compatibility with current chain protocols.

New feature development

To retain and grow your user base, you’ll want to introduce new functionalities—such as margin trading, staking, fiat gateways, or mobile trading apps. These updates are critical for meeting evolving market expectations.

Compliance modifications

Regulations are constantly shifting. Your system must be adapted to reflect new AML/KYC rules, data protection laws, and regional compliance frameworks—often on short notice.

Performance scaling

As your platform grows, you’ll need to scale cloud infrastructure, optimize backend processes, and enhance database performance to support increasing volumes of users and transactions.

Continuous maintenance is not an option but a necessity. In the absence of updates, your exchange is susceptible to security compromises, regulatory violations, and customer dissatisfaction. Regular maintenance ensures long-term stability and competitiveness.

Ready crypto exchange in 3 weeks?
It is a reality with Peiko!

Contingency and unexpected costs

Recommended reserve: 10–15% of initial budget (~$15,000 – $30,000)

No matter how diligently your initial planning is, unexpected costs are inevitable in creating and introducing a crypto exchange. Experienced founders prepare for this by earmarking a reserve budget to mitigate these surprises without compromising quality or delaying launch.

Here are some examples of common unexpected costs:

unexpected costs to run your crypto exchange

Legal or regulatory hurdles

New approval procedure delays or licensing needs can create additional legal counsel, document filing, or re-filings. This all can increase your total expenses.

Service provider changes

Third-party service providers such as payment processors, KYC providers, or liquidity aggregators may modify terms, prices, or availability, requiring fast switch and re-integration work.

Emergency fixes and quick deploys

Catastrophic bugs or security flaws introduced post-launch will likely need instant developer fixes. Last-minute fixes may mean overtime fees or exposure to additional software quality testing.

Infrastructure expansion

If your platform has seen exponential user growth past expectations, you may need to host environments at scale, add support capacity, or add cloud infrastructure at short notice.

Marketing strategy adjustments

If you’re lagging on initial campaigns, you might need to re-invest in paid acquisition, influencer collaborations, or community-building initiatives to meet user growth objectives.

Your contingency budget is your financial safety net. It provides cash flow agility to quickly solve issues before they become bigger problems, and maintain your exchange on track—regardless of the unforeseen turns life may bring.

Summary of estimated costs (2025)

Launching a centralized cryptocurrency exchange in 2025 is a considerable but manageable investment when done with careful planning. 

Below is a detailed breakdown of the primary crypto exchange development cost categories involved, along with estimated ranges based on current industry standards.

Cost categoryEstimated range (USD)Description
Platform development$80,000 – $120,000Design and build of the exchange infrastructure, including the trading engine, wallet systems, frontend/backend, and security measures.
Legal and compliance$20,000 – $40,000Licensing, regulatory filings, KYC/AML procedures, and legal documentation.
Operational infrastructure$2,000 – $40,000Hosting costs, transaction monitoring, ongoing operations, customer support, and marketing expenses.
Ongoing maintenance and upgrades$20,000 – $50,000 (annually)Regular system updates, feature enhancements, and compliance adjustments.
Contingency fund$15,000 – $30,000Funds reserved for unexpected expenses such as legal delays, vendor changes, or unplanned maintenance.
Final price$137,000 – $280,000The total one-time setup cost, excluding ongoing maintenance and unforeseen costs.

Keep in mind that the total cryptocurrency exchange development cost may vary depending on the specific requirements, jurisdiction, and scale of your project.

Top crypto exchange in just 3 months?
It is a reality!

Launch a full-featured crypto exchange at an affordable price 

If building from scratch seems overwhelming or resource-draining, go the more simplified route. You can start your own crypto exchange with our white-label solution, which offers a fully featured, customizable platform for just $95,000.

Here are the main benefits of our crypto exchange solution (these features you definitely need to engage users and ensure a seamless trading experience):

Advanced trading tools & TradingView integration

Deliver a professional-grade trading experience with real-time Market and Limit orders, executed in milliseconds thanks to our lightning-fast matching engine. Integrated TradingView charts give your users the visual tools they need to analyze market trends and make informed trades, live and on the go.

white label crypto exchange with modern trading features

Microservices architecture for peak efficiency

Our platform is built on a microservices-based system, ensuring high reliability, modular scaling, and top performance. The exchange handles up to 10,000 transactions per second, and performance can be boosted instantly with additional server power.

With auto-scaling built in, your system adjusts resources based on real-time demand, keeping costs low while maintaining maximum performance.

Robust liquidity from global providers

We’ve partnered with leading global liquidity providers Huobi and B2C2 to ensure that your exchange has deep liquidity from the start. This ensures quick order execution and a seamless trading experience for your users. Internal order matching is prioritized, with external providers used only when necessary.

Need more liquidity options to build cryptocurrency exchange? We can help integrate additional providers to fit your strategy.

Comprehensive and secure admin control

Manage your platform with ease through a feature-rich admin dashboard. Adjust trading fees, oversee user activity, assign trading tiers, and monitor platform performance—all from a single control panel.

For maximum security, admin access is limited to operational controls—funds are never accessible through the admin panel. You stay in control while keeping assets safe.

white label crypto exchange with clear admin panel

Quick setup, full ownership, huge savings

You don’t need to wait 18–24 months and spend a fortune to start your own crypto exchange from scratch. Our solution is fully developed, tested, and ready to deploy on your own servers, giving you complete ownership and freedom to scale.

In just 3 weeks, you can create crypto exchange platform at a fraction of the usual cost—up to 5–6 times more affordable than custom-built platforms.

You save time, money, mitigate risk with a white-label crypto solution, and have complete control of branding and business operations.

Conclusion

Starting a crypto exchange in 2025 can be life-changing for you as a business owner but it requires a lot of investment and responsibility. How much does it cost to create a cryptocurrency exchange this year? On average, starting a professional platform can cost anywhere from $137,000 to $280,000 to create, establish legally, provide infrastructure, and meet operational needs.

For those looking to fast-track the process and reduce initial expenses, a white-label crypto exchange is a strategic option. For just $95,000, Peiko’s turnkey solution offers a fully functional, customizable trading platform with built-in security, wallet systems, and compliance tools—just go to market.

If you’re willing to get into the crypto market without the wait or frustration of building from scratch, Peiko can help you build cryptocurrency exchange quickly and inexpensively. Let’s get started—get in touch with us today.

FAQ

What is the general cost range for starting a crypto exchange in 2025?

Prices tend to be between $165,000 and $280,000, depending on complexity and scope. An exchange can be rolled out white-label for as low as $95,000.

What are the main factors that influence the cost of starting a crypto exchange?

Key drivers of cost are complexity of features, security setup, legality compliance, payments and KYC integrations, and your development strategy.

How much does it cost to create your own cryptocurrency P2P exchange?

A peer-to-peer exchange will cost anywhere from $80,000 to $150,000, depending on the core functionalities and system design.

Can I create my own crypto exchange?

Yes. You can either start from scratch or implement a white-label solution in order to save time and reduce development costs. How much does it cost to start a cryptocurrency exchange? Our white-lable solution costs just $95,000.

How hard is it to start cryptocurrency exchange?

It may be challenging due to technical, legal, and operational requirements—but white-label options make it easier in a big way and very fast.

    CONTENT

Featured articles

How Do Crypto Exchanges Make Money?

# Blockchain
08.04.2025
10 min
146
Dima Lebed
Dima Lebed
Co-founder & CTO at Peiko

Behind every seamless trade on a crypto exchange lies a complex, high-revenue mechanism. Users focus on buying, selling, and speculating. However, simultaneously, exchanges are quietly capitalizing on every transaction, every deposit, every listing — at scale. And with billions in daily volume, those seemingly small fees add up quickly.

In this article, we’ll break down the core revenue streams of cryptocurrency exchanges. From trading fees and withdrawal costs to premium features like margin lending, futures, and token listings. We’ll also reveal the emerging crypto currency exchange revenue models, like white-label licensing and institutional APIs (application programming interfaces).

Whether you’re planning to launch your own exchange or just want to understand how do currency exchanges make money — this guide is your starting point. 

Trading fees – the core revenue generator

In how crypto currency exchange generate income, trading fees come first. Commissions on trading are the primary mean for profitability of crypto exchanges. Every time an asset is bought or sold, the exchange captures a tiny fraction of the transaction.

Thousands or even millions of trades every day add up to a huge sum of money. For a large exchange like Binance or Coinbase, this single source of revenue earns them hundreds of millions of dollars annually.

Trading fees come in different forms, and exchanges apply them through different models. Makers (who add liquidity to the order book) are usually charged less than takers (those who take out liquidity), and this is what keeps the market balanced. Some platforms offer discounts for high-volume traders or those who pay with the exchange’s native token.

Some popular trading fee models include

Trading activity persists whether the market is rising or falling. Users are rebalancing portfolios, hedging risk, or implementing strategies — and all transactions yield revenue. For businesses developing exchanges, optimizing the structure of trading fees has a direct effect on liquidity, user behavior, and market efficiency.

Withdrawal and deposit fees – transaction costs

Deposit and withdrawal charges are secondary but stable sources for profitability of crypto exchanges. They are used when funds are transferred onto or off of the platform, or to offset operating, network, and third-party payment processing expenses.

There are two common types of transaction charges:

  • Withdrawal charges Often a fixed fee per asset (e.g., 0.0005 BTC) or dynamically calculated based on blockchain congestion or network gas fees. For fiat withdrawals, percentage service fees or flat rates apply, particularly when standard banking infrastructure or intermediaries are involved.

Margining over actual network fees is a strategy used by some platforms to enhance profitability. These fees can cover the operational costs of providing Fiat On/Off Ramp Services, which play a vital role in bringing in users from the traditional financial system into the crypto space.

These fees have operational functions as well. Fixed-rate withdrawal fees reduce spam transactions, while higher thresholds can incentivize users to keep assets within the exchange, increasing retention and potential activity on other features like staking, lending, or derivatives.

From a business perspective, transaction fees bring in constant income with minimal overhead. When scaled over a large number of users, even minimal fees contribute significantly to overall exchange income. For new market entrants, modeling deposit and withdrawal fee policies delicately is essential.

With well-structured fees, users can find a balance between liquidity retention and long-term monetization, while exchanges can optimize their Fiat On/Off Ramp Services for greater user acquisition and activity.

Want not just an exchange but a revenue-drining asset?
You’re at the right place!

Listing fees – the price of exposure

When one googles about how do currency exchanges make revenue, they usually find out about listing fees. For most crypto exchanges, listing fees are a high-margin source of revenue directly tied to the visibility of the project. When new tokens require visibility, liquidity access, and legitimacy, appearing on a reputable exchange is critical for the investments to pay for.

Listing fees are generally a one-time payment made to token projects for listing on the order book of an exchange. Fees vary between $10,000 and more than $1 million based on brand awareness of the exchange, user base, and number of trades per day.

Listing fee pricing determinant

Accelerated listings, promotion packages, or special pairing plans are also available in certain exchanges at a premium fee. Some operate by application portals to list where they evaluate projects on compliance, prospective liquidity, and tokenomics. In DeFi (decentrilized finance) platforms, however, the regime shifts — community voting or liquidity contribution replaces direct fees.

While listing fees are controversial, they are a typical revenue component for centralized platforms. For exchanges, they pay for token integration, market arrangements, and advertising. For token projects, a listing is often a crucial point of entry to wider adoption.

Effective monetization of listings requires a balance between business needs and long-term reputation.  Overcharging or listing low quality assets damages user trust and market integrity.

Margin trading and lending fees – leveraging assets

Crypto margin lending and margin trading have become key drivers of profit for exchanges that offer financial derivatives with leverage. These services allow customers to borrow funds to take longer positions in their trades — and as a result, the platform captures stable, high-margin fee income.

Exchanges charge lenders interest on borrowed money in margin trading, often on an hourly or daily basis. Rates vary based on asset volatility, demand, and market conditions. Exchanges act as intermediators in most cases between lenders (often other users or liquidity providers) and borrowers, charging a spread on the interest.

Typical margin trading revenue streams

Lending platforms, whether CEXs (centralized exchanges) or DeFi platforms, make money off idle customer funds by paying lenders returns and charging borrowers a premium. In CEXs, this is typically tightly integrated in the trading UI. In DeFi, it’s accomplished via smart contracts.

These products attract active and institutional traders drawn to capital efficiency. But they bring risk, and that’s why platforms create collateral requirements, risk engines, and automated liquidations.

For exchanges, margin and lending products are highly volume generators because they also add depth in liquidity and generate steady streams of revenue. Done well, they become core components of how do currency exchanges make revenue and a long-term monetization model.

Struggle to make you crypto exchange profitable?
Let’s resolve this issue together!

Futures and derivatives trading fees – advanced instruments

Perpetuals and futures, alongside other cryptocurrency derivatives, have evolved. Both in regards to user need but as streams of high volume and high frequency revenue streams of cryptocurrency exchanges. They allow price speculation on price variation without exposure to the underlying asset, compounding leverage, as well as volume of trade.

Derivatives are most profitable for exchanges through

On perpetual contracts — the most traded crypto derivatives — the absence of expiry dates encourages 24/7 trading. This generates volume, and volume generates fee income. Even a 0.01% fee per contract, levied on billions worth of daily derivatives volume, contributes significantly to how do exchanges make money.

Futures trading also brings institutional and algorithmic participants that rely on deep liquidity, low latency, and advanced order types. Exchanges react by making investments in infrastructure and risk management systems but, in turn, the reward is frequently well worth it.

Offering derivatives is no longer an option for competitive exchanges who look how do crypto currency exchanges make money. It’s an inherent component of the financial product stack, attracting customers and opening higher layers of profit.

Other potential revenue streams

Beyond basic monetization models like trading and withdrawal charges, there are numerous other streams of revenue in how do crypto exchanges make money. Some of which are high-margin, scalable, and unexploited. Whether you’re starting a platform or expanding an existing one, one of these models could be the perfect choice for your growth strategy. Below, we outline the most feasible options.

  • Staking-as-a-service Exchanges offer staking for eligible Proof-of-Stake assets, undertaking the technical lifting while charging users a commission for rewards. It offers repeat income and on-platform asset retention.
  • OTC (over-the-counter) services An OTC desk caters to high-volume traders, corporate treasuries, and institutional clients who also require large trades. In one OTC umbrella, various integrated revenue components such as the following emerge:
  1. Customized spread pricing. With block or high-volume orders, the exchange negotiates tailor-made spreads based on market conditions and client profiles.
  2. Block trade facilitation fees. Exchanges get paid facilitation or brokerage fees to reduce the market effect by simplifying big trades, usually with private execution.
  3. Premium service fees. An over-the-counter (OTC) package that is based on services can include private account managers, faster payments, or in-depth research, generating service-based revenue.
  4. Wealth management integration. Linking over-the-counter (OTC) services to overall wealth management plans (for example, custody, crypto-based yield products) helps exchanges keep customers and make more money from assets stored or managed on their platform.
  • IEO/token launchpad services Emerging projects remit listing and marketing fees in order to bring their tokens out through exchange-listed IEOs. Revenue and user action accrue to the exchange while offering early investors access to screened assets.
  • White-label licensing Leasing or selling your exchange infrastructure to third parties enables quick entry into the market for new market participants. The white-label model creates initial revenue, repeated maintenance contracts, and expands your ecosystem footprint.
  • API monetization Fast-performance APIs, high-end data feeds, or low-latency infrastructure are most often paid by sophisticated or institutional traders. This exposes a high-margin B2B revenue channel with minimal user-facing complexity.
  • Data services Real-time and past trading data can be sold to researchers, analytics solutions, or trading firms. High-volume and clean-data exchanges have a competitive advantage in this market.
  • Subscription models Offer premium functionalities like deep analytics, reduced charges, personalized alerts, or priority support for monthly payments. This model increases the predictability of revenues and the retention of users.
  • NFT marketplaces Combining NFT minting, trading, and drops brings in additional revenue from listing fees, transaction fees, and creator fees. It also brings in a new, usually highly engaged, user base.
  • Advertising and sponsored listings Projects and partners pay for placement on home page banner, trading screen, or token recommendation. This model derives revenue off-platform traffic without touching core exchange mechanisms.
  • DeFi aggregation As a gateway to DeFi protocols (yield farming, lending, swaps), it enables your CEX to collect a small fee on routed trades — combining centralized UX with decentralized backends.
  • Asset management tools Providing portfolio dashboards, tax reporting, or auto-strategies as premium features helps monetize user convenience, especially for institutional or high-net-worth clients.

Keep in mind that diversifying revenue gives you a competitive advantage. As crypto infrastructure matures, exchanges that are able to package services and scale across verticals are more likely to capture long-term value.

Custody solutions

With institutional and high worth investors entering the crypto space, demand for compliant and secure custody solutions grows exponentially. For centralized exchanges, custody solutions instill confidence among risk-averse customers and uncover a high-value revenue stream. Following are key ways exchanges can monetize custody services:

Custody solutions

Institutional custody fees

Institutional-sized custody is required for family offices, corporate treasuries, and large funds to protect material holdings. Offering segregated accounts, audited procedures, and regulatory compliance allows exchanges to impose recurring custody fees. These may be tiered by assets under custody size, offering a stable and repeatable revenue stream.

Insurance premium sharing

Partnering with insurers to cover digital assets is reassuring to clients. As the exchange negotiates on behalf of holders to obtain group coverage for cryptos held in storage, it can take a share of premiums users pay to provide extra protection. With a focus on the type of insurance coverage (theft, hacking), exchanges justify premium pricing to institutions that refuse to take the risk themselves.

Multi-signature wallet services

Companies seek advanced security features like multi-signature schemes, where several participants must approve transactions. Offering customized multi-sig solutions—right down to bespoke control settings—warrants higher service fees. As an advanced security feature, it’s a compelling selling point for clients requiring strong internal controls.

Cold storage management fees

The most secure location for long-term digital asset storage is offline—so-called cold storage. But keeping air gapped servers, safe vaults, and 24/7 surveillance requires specialized infrastructure and operational expertise. Dedicated cold storage allows exchanges to earn additional management fees, mainly from institutions requiring verifiable offline custody.

Market making services

Market making is the art of selling and buying orders to the spread to be tight and price discovery to work efficiently. For a CEX to operate its own desk or to share with professional market makers unleashes mammoth revenues:

Spread capture

By repeatedly quoting buy (bid) and sell (ask) orders, a market maker profits from the difference—or “spread”—between the two. Across large volumes of trades, the aggregate total of these small profits is large, especially when spreads are best manipulated for volatility or liquidity.

Arbitrage opportunities

Watching several pairs of trades or off-board markets for price imbalances enables instant buy-and-sell trades at profit. In addition to creating direct revenues, these also contribute positively to market efficiency, boosting trader confidence and strengthening the exchange’s reputation.

Liquidity mining programs

Users incentivized to provide liquidity (usually through token rewards or reduced fees) vastly amplify trading volume and activity. Although these rewards are a one time cost, they usually pay for themselves through strong network effects.

Quick summary:

  • Smaller spreads and higher liquidity attract both recreational and sophisticated traders.
  • Low risk, high frequency arbitrage provides consistent profit.
  • Incentivized liquidity mining promotes longterm user loyalty and trading habits.
Excited to start your own exchange but need some help?
We’re willing to assist you!

Educational resources and premium research

Delivering better learning resources and professional insight raises a CEX beyond a trading hub. Profiting from such, an exchange earns consistent revenues, fostering trader trust and reliability.

Trading courses and certification programs

Exchanges establish formal courses, ranging from digital asset fundamentals to advanced technical analysis. Charging enrollment fees or even premium membership tiers—complete with certification—bring money and enhances user confidence and proficiency. In most instances, this results in higher trading volumes on the platform.

Market research reports

Issuing regular, detailed reports of crypto market movement, regulatory updates, and emerging trends can be a powerful differentiator. Such reports can include:

Market research reports

Selling subscriptions or providing access on other tiers, the exchange can ensure a consistent stream of recurring income. Plus, high-quality research serves to solidify your role as an authority of trust.

Trading signals

Not everyone who trades needs to conduct his or her own technical or fundamental analysis. Intraday trading signals, driven by algorithmic bots or in house specialists, can be sold as a subscription product, generating additional income. 

Such a product is of use to customers requiring instant, fact based advice so that they may make speedy choices during volatile market conditions regardless of their crypto knowledge.

Expert webinars

Live events with industry experts, experienced traders, or in house analysts offer a direct channel for knowledge sharing and user engagement. A concise list of possible formats could be:

Expert webinars

The webinars can be offered free to build platform reach or reserved for subscribers, while driving premium subscription revenues. Either way, they advance the exchange’s role as an informed marketplace.

Enterprise solutions

Large corporates often have more high-end needs—whether bulk settlement or effective treasury management controls. By offering enterprise-grade solutions solving these problems, a CEX can be the one-stop collaborator and enable lucrative B2B revenue avenues.

  • Settlement services. Ensures quick and secure settlement of bulk transactions to institutional clients at low counterparty risk and cost of operations.
  • Treasury management tools. Offers automated liquidity, multi-currency asset management, and real-time reporting—enabling business entities to maximize capital deployment and minimize market risk.
  • Corporate account services. Streamline access, onboarding, and transaction management for organizations with complex operational and compliance needs. May include:
  1. Multi-user access – Manage roles and permissions for various employees.
  2. Dedicated onboarding – Streamlined KYC procedures tailored to corporate entities.
  3. Bulk transaction processing – Efficient solutions for batch payments, payroll, or vendor payments.
  4. Compliance reporting – Automated solutions to manage regulatory compliance.
  • Integration solutions. APIs and custom connectors offer simple integration with enterprise resource planning (ERP) solutions, streamlining the operations efficiency and transparency of the data for business customers.
Want to see how much money you can actually make?
We have workable expert advice for you!

Examples from leading exchanges

Here are the widely known exchanges and how they apply the revenue strategies mentioned. Use them as inspiration, but don’t hesitate to experiment with methods that suit your platform and audience best.

1. Binance

Binance achieved market dominance by focusing on fast-paced innovation—launching new product offerings (like futures, staking, and NFTs) faster than anyone else. With a strong native token (BNB) that rewards users with trading fee discounts, the platform has established a gargantuan global user base.

Binance main revenue streams

2. Coinbase

Coinbase is the most user-friendly platform, prioritizing regulatory compliance and simplicity. Its paid model—advanced tools and in-depth analytics are behind paid tiers—sets it apart in its monetization beyond typical trading fees.

Coinbase main revenue streams

3. Kraken

Kraken focuses on security, stability, and advanced trading. Known for offering margin trading and futures with competitive fee rates, Kraken also provides robust staking services. Meeting the requirements of retail and institutional traders, Kraken maintains over one profitable revenue stream.

Kraken key revenue streams

4. Huobi

Huobi utilizes its strong presence in Asian markets, providing a wide coin offering and local fiat gateways. Through Huobi Prime (its initial exchange offering platform) and other international partnerships, it has expanded into token listings, fiat on-ramps, and high-end corporate services.

Huobi key revenue streams

5. Bitfinex

Bitfinex has carved out a niche for institutional and more sophisticated traders, with a sophisticated interface, several order types, and an active margin funding market. This segment of sophisticated traders also actively trades derivatives, earning steady fees.

Bitfinex key revenue streams

6. OKX

OKX stands out with its broad derivatives coverage, high liquidity, and international reach. By bringing DeFi protocols onto its platform, it appeals to both institutional crypto traders and users who are exploring decentralized finance—another diversification of its revenue streams.

OKX key revenue streams

These success stories cite a very valuable lesson: none of these approaches is a single guaranteed way to ensure the profitability and longevity of a crypto exchange. Instead, what works best is the blending of multiple revenue streams.

From simple trading commissions to complex enterprise offerings, institutional custody solutions, and interactive learning modules. Whether you want to become the next Binance or find your own area like Bitfinex, the best way to make money is to use a variety of methods.

Conclusion

After looking into main and secondary ways of how do exchanges make money, one thing is clear: they don’t make money from just one feature. In how crypto currency exchange generate income, the secret is to mix different revenue sources. Such approach allows to make steady, scalable money both actively and passively. 

Which revenue model you choose will rely on the type of platform you’re making. Plus, consider whether you want to get a lot of users quickly, make the platform popular with institutions, or keep it stable over time. Some exchanges make the most money by offering high-frequency trading goods.

Others give premium services like staking, APIs, and white-label solutions. When you learn how do currency exchanges make money, ensure your stack works for both your customers and the business running the API.

In the end, opening an exchange is only one part of the success. The key to long-term success is creating a system that keeps making money and grows it. Peiko is ready to show you how do currency exchanges make revenue on your own example! Contact us and let’s build the profitable white-label solution.

FAQ

How do crypto companies make money?

Crypto companies make money from spreads, trade fees, listing tokens, interest on loans, and selling extra services. Exchanges, wallets, and DeFi platforms drive crypto currency exchange revenue of numerous activities, often passively. They also allow people to access and trade digital assets.

How to make money off crypto?

Owning a crypto exchange is one of the most powerful ways to make money in the crypto industry. Unlike traders and investors who depend on market trends, exchange owners make money with crypto currency exchange in every market condition.

Can crypto make you rich?

If you’re wondering can you make money by crypto exchanging currency as a user – of course, yes. Many became rich by getting in early and making smart investments. If you want to do better than just luck, learn how the market works and how to limit your risk.

    CONTENT

White Label vs Private Label – What’s the Difference?

# Blockchain
04.04.2025
8 min
178
Dima Lebed
Dima Lebed
Co-founder & CTO at Peiko

People are always looking for a streamlined way of starting their crypto exchanges with little work. Two standard solutions are private label and white label solutions. 

Before making a decision you should compare white label versus private label. By choosing white-label solutions, you get a ready-made platform that can be adapted to your needs, including customization of the design and some functions while maintaining the overall structure. 

In turn, private label solutions allow the business to have full control over the design, functionality, and specifications of the product. Yes, this gives more freedom but requires more effort and resources for customization. 

So, which one wins in the comparison – private label versus white label? Let’s discover more details on how these solutions differ and which one to select. 

Defining white labeling

White labeling cryptocurrency exchanges involves using a pre-existing platform provided by a third-party supplier that can be rebranded and simply tailored to meet the business needs. The product already includes all the fundamental elements, such as trading engines, wallets, and payment integration. 

Companies can personalize the look and branding (e.g., logos, colors), but the underlying software remains unchanged. White label solutions are best for those who want a fast go-to-market solution with low development outlays.

Advantages of white-label crypto exchanges

Let’s reveal the main benefits of white label solutions. Why are they so popular instead of development from scratch?

Quicker market presence. White-label crypto exchanges allow businesses to swiftly launch their platforms without the long and time-consuming process of obtaining a custom solution. Pre-made platforms give businesses the power to go live within weeks, leading to a head start in the fast-changing crypto market.

Cost-effective. Building a crypto exchange from scratch is time and money-intensive. White-label options provide a more affordable solution by reducing development expenditure, enabling companies to direct their capital towards other vital sectors like marketing, liquidity, and retaining customers.

Trusted, proven technology. White-label exchanges possess tried-and-tested, secure, and scalable technology that has already undergone testing by its provider. This minimizes the risk of launching a new exchange, providing firms with a sound platform to launch straight away.

Who is it for?

  • Startups or entrepreneurs who are ready to quickly deploy a crypto exchange.
  • Those who want market entry with low development costs.
  • Companies focused on user experience and brand identity.
Want to launch crypto exchange in 3 weeks?
We offer you our solution.

Defining private labeling

Private labeling meaning for crypto exchanges that you get a fully customizable platform in which you are fully in charge of all the elements of the exchange. This method allows businesses to personalize the design, functionality, and technical specifications of the exchange based on their exact needs. 

Whatever the custom features, integrations, or custom user interfaces, private labeling provides full freedom for your company. It is typically the choice for those businesses with the means and capability to build an entirely customized exchange experience.

Benefits of private label crypto exchanges

What are three main advantages of private label solution for cryptocurrency exchnages? Here are they:

  • Complete customization. Private-label crypto exchanges allow businesses full autonomy over all aspects of the platform, from the interface to functionality. With that level of customization, businesses are able to build a tailored user experience that most suits their brand and market needs.
  • Complete branding control. With private-label solutions, businesses own complete control over their platform’s branding, user interface, and pricing models. This provides an opportunity to create a highly tailored exchange that is coherent with the company’s vision and strategy.
  • Scalability for future growth. For businesses anticipating aggressive expansion or with specific needs, private-label exchanges provide greater scalability. Companies are able to easily convert and scale the infrastructure of the platform for growth, and hence, it is a good choice for large organizations or businesses that need considerable flexibility.

Who should select it?

  • Current businesses with the means to build a fully customized exchange.
  • Businesses needing a unique platform with custom features to stand out in the marketplace.
  • Organizations that desire total control of the security, design, and functionality of the platform.
white labeling vs private labeling

Our white-label solution includes the benefits of both private label and white label solutions, offering businesses full control over branding and features and comes at an affordable price. 

Core differences: Private label vs white label

So, software private label or white label solutions? Choosing the right platform model to host your cryptocurrency exchange can make a huge difference in the success of your business strategy. Below, we explained the key differences between the two models:

Customization flexibility

White label. This choice offers pre-configured platforms with the ability to customize somewhat. You can usually customize things like logos, color schemes, and basic design elements. But the underlying functionality is the same for every business using the solution, so you won’t have extensive control over features or back-end operations. It is one of the main white label private label difference.

Private label. The software is where the level of customization is at its maximum. In this case, you’re provided with full freedom over the functionality, design, and technical aspects of the exchange. It means you can tailor the platform to meet your business’s unique needs, provide customized experiences for users, and include custom features.

Level of control

White label. In this case, the infrastructure and software below belong to the platform provider. While you can make cosmetic adjustments like branding and some functional tweaks, most of the system is handled by the provider, including updates, security, and maintenance.

Private label. You get full control of the platform’s architecture. Everything from the user interface to the back-end layout can be defined by you on how it all works. This option gives the full liberty to customize, maintain, and revolutionize your exchange platform in whatever form you choose, without depending on a third party.

Time to market

White label. The greatest advantage of a white label solution is how quickly you can deploy your exchange. Since the platform is already built and operational, you can skip the development stage and go straight to branding and deployment. This is an ideal option for businesses that must enter the crypto arena quickly and start serving users.

Private label. Alternatively, private label solutions require more time to develop. Since the platform is being developed from scratch, it will take months, depending on the level of customization you need. This longer timeframe enables you to build a very specific exchange but at the cost of slower entry into the marketplace.

Cost implications

White label. Comparing white labeling vs private labeling, white label solutions are cheaper. As the platform is already created and the provider is reselling it to multiple customers, the cost is shared. Your only expenses to incur are branding, minor customizations, and operational setup.

Private label. Such solutions are significantly more expensive. The reason lies in the custom development, which takes specialized technical teams, designers, and more resources to bring your vision to life. The cost is justified by the highly customized platform and outright ownership of its functionality.

Want to get a reliable crypto exchange?
We have a white-label solution.

Comparison table: Difference between white label and private label

You can see a comparison table where we summarize the core differences between these two types of solutions.

FeatureWhite labelPrivate label
CustomizationLimited (mainly branding and basic design changes)Full (complete control over features and functionality)
ControlShared control (provider manages platform)Full control (business controls all aspects)
Time to marketFast (platform is ready for branding and launch)Slow (custom development and design required)
CostLower (pre-built solution, minimal customization)Higher (custom development and features)
Technical resourcesMinimal (provider handles maintenance and updates)High (requires in-house or third-party development)
Platform ownershipShared (provider owns the platform)Full ownership (business owns and controls the platform)
MaintenanceManaged by the providerManaged by the business or technical team

Choosing the right model for your business

Between the white label or private label cryptocurrency exchange platform lies a decision influenced by a series of factors depending on your objectives, available means, and timeline. It is important to understand white label private label difference to make the best choice for your exchange.

Select white label if:

  • You require swift, low-budget entry into cryptocurrency.
  • Your expertise is branding and marketing, not creating a platform from scratch.
  • You lack technical resources or capital to create an in-house bespoke exchange.
  • You need a turnkey solution with minimal adjustments that can be quickly deployed.
  • You don’t want to be encumbered by the intricacies of platform maintenance and updates.

Pick private label if:

  • You have a large budget and need to create a fully customized cryptocurrency exchange.
  • You want total control over the user experience, functionality, and technology of your platform.
  • Your firm has the resources (or can outsource) to manage ongoing development, maintenance, and expansion.
  • You are keen on building a very differentiated product that will stand out in the market with unique features.
  • You are prepared to spend time in a longer development process to build a fully customized exchange platform.

Comparing private labeling vs white labeling, white label solutions are optimal for individuals who want to develop crypto exchanges rapidly with minimal technical hassle. Select private label solutions if you have unique requirements and desire to develop a platform for your specific needs. 

Weigh your company’s resources, goals, and timeline to decide which model – software private label or white label solutions – is most appropriate to your plan.

Start crypto exchange with us and enjoy the ready solution in 3 weeks 

At Peiko, we provide a world-class white-label crypto exchange solution that can have your professional exchange live in as little as 3 weeks. This solution has you generating revenue earlier with a solid, secure, and fully customized CEX (centralized exchange) platform that stands out in today’s competitive environment.

Our white-label crypto exchange solution offers you a flexible, scalable, and secure platform, allowing you to focus on brand building and user acquisition while we deal with the technical complexities. Through our innovative technology, you can give your clients a seamless trading experience from day one.

Advanced features of our white-label crypto exchange

1. Complete trading functionality with TradingView integration

Our exchange platform has everything your users need for successful trading. From spot to market orders with instant execution, in crypto, every millisecond counts. The OrderBook matching engine ensures quick order execution, and the TradingView charts integration allows users to analyze market trends in real-time and make smart choices.

white labeling platform developed by Peiko

2. High performance with microservice architecture

Our platform is powered by a sophisticated microservice architecture that enables the exchange to handle 10,000 transactions per second. This highly scalable framework places your platform in the same league as leading exchanges, so it’s simple for you to keep up with your increasing number of users. With autoscaling, your platform scales to increasing demand while optimizing server usage and minimizing expenses.

3. Deep liquidity for seamless trading

To ensure a seamless user experience, we’ve pooled liquidity from top providers Huobi and B2C2. This enables deep liquidity, which translates to faster order execution. Should additional liquidity be needed, additional providers can be added with ease, so your platform remains competitive and efficient.

white labeling trading platform developed by Peiko

4. Streamlined admin panel for effortless administration

Running a crypto exchange is not just about creating the platform, but an issue of control and management. Our user-friendly admin panel allows you to manage users, set commission rates, and monitor platform activity in real-time. With a secure, no-access feature to funds, you can be in full control of your platform while keeping users’ information protected.

efficient white labeling platform developed by Peiko

5. Quick setup & affordable pricing

With Peiko’s white-label solution, you can have your exchange operational in as little as 3 weeks a fraction of the time it would require to create a platform from scratch. And our one-stop solution comes in at 5-6 times lower cost than bespoke-built exchanges. That means significant savings for you. You also get full rights to the setup code, making customization further down the line that much easier.

Additional features:

  • Improved OrderBook matching for a better user experience.
  • Trading Bots and liquidity enhancements for better market performance.
  • Zero commissions for users on the exchange, similar to Binance.
  • Fast pair addition — add new trading pairs in 2-4 minutes.
  • Fireblocks Custody for top-tier security.
  • Safe sign-in/sign-up with 2FA for an additional layer of protection.
  • KYC Integration using SumSub for regulatory compliance.
  • Bespoke code for future scaling and expansion.
  • Integration with Azure, AWS, and Google Cloud.
  • Blockchain fee pre-check before withdrawals for transparency.
  • User cabinet for convenient account management.

Don’t wait to get into the booming crypto startup space. Let’s begin the process of launching your exchange using the most secure, efficient, and affordable white-label solution on the market.

Conclusion

Now, you have all the information to decide between private vs white label solutions. Both white label and private label products have their own target audience. White label products are ideal for entrepreneurs who want a quick and easy way to rebrand an already developed and tested product. Private label products give you full control over the branding, design, and even the functionality of the product. The final choice depends on your goals, your time, and your budget.

If you are interested in entering the crypto arena and need a fast, customized solution, Peiko’s white label crypto exchange platform is exactly what you need.
Contact us today and get a functional crypto exchange in the shortest time!

FAQ

What are some common examples of white-labeled products?

Businesses choose white label products when they need to quickly bring products to market. Some common examples include SaaS platforms such as email marketing software, CRM software, and e-commerce platforms. Tech products such as mobile apps or website templates are typical white label products.

What are private label products?

In software development, private label solutions are custom-made solutions, like crypto exchanges, created by one company but labeled and sold by another. The purchaser can customize the look and features of the software, but the original programmer takes care of the backend and technical work.

Can I customize the functionality of a white-labeled product?

Sure. White label meaning you can customize your cryptocurrency exchange solution to a certain extent. The basic functionality is pre-installed, but you can customize the branding, look and feel, and add some features to suit specific requirements.

What are the disadvantages of private labeling?

Private labeling offers a lot of control over the product’s appearance and features, but it requires large upfront investments to undertake product development, and an expensive final quality assurance phase. Private labeling can delay your entry into the market.

What is the difference between white label and private label?

It lies in the level of customization and ownership. White label solutions are already built and ready to deploy. But you can custmoize some features. Private label products allow for greater control over the functionality of the product, but you need more time to launch your project.

    CONTENT

3 Types of Cryptocurrency Exchanges: CEXs, DEXs, and HEXs

# CEX
04.04.2025
7 min
169
Dima Lebed
Dima Lebed
Co-founder & CTO at Peiko

Cryptocurrency exchanges are online sites where digital currencies are exchanged. These platforms come in three types: centralized exchanges (CEXs), decentralized exchanges (DEXs), and, also, hybrid crypto exchanges (HEXs). How do they differ?

CEXs are controlled by a central entity. Typically, these platforms offer a simple interface. DEXs, however, are done without a central agency. They provide more freedom for individuals with their ownership and greater anonymity but have greater navigational complexity. 

HEXs combine both DEX advantages and CEX key benefits. These exchanges offer decentralization benefits with some aspects of centralization, like a more simple user interface.

Want to learn more about the differences between these types of exchanges? This article is for you.

Centralized exchanges

Let’s talk about CEX advantages and drawbacks. These are platforms on which users are able to buy, sell, and trade cryptocurrencies, with the intermediary being the exchange. Centralized exchanges manage the entire process of the transaction, ranging from matching buying and selling orders to keeping users’ funds. 

Some of the well-known centralized exchanges include Binance, Coinbase, and Kraken.

The interesting thing about CEXs is that they rely on a central authority to regulate their operations. It is such an arrangement that the users must trust the platform in order to safely handle their funds as well as personal information. In return, centralized exchanges offer the user such advantages as plenty of liquidity, easy-to-use interfaces, as well as a variety of cryptocurrencies. They also offer customer support, which can be extremely helpful.

However, despite CEX advantages, there are risks with centralized exchanges as well. Since they keep their users’ funds with them, they are exposed to hacker attacks, regulatory issues, or technical failures. Under such circumstances, the users stand to lose their money. Furthermore, since CEXs provide control over the assets of their users, they differ from decentralized exchanges, where the users are in complete control of their money.

CEXs are popular because they are easy to use and convenient. They are regarded as being a secure method of trading, especially for new cryptocurrency traders. A key advantage of CEX is that clients within CEXs do not pay gas fees for transactions and only pay when depositing or withdrawing funds.

cex cryptocurrency exchanges

Decentralized exchanges 

Such platforms enable direct exchange between users of cryptocurrencies without the use of an intermediary. Founded on blockchain technology, DEXs execute trades through smart contracts rather than a central authority. 

Examples of such DEXs are Uniswap, SushiSwap, and PancakeSwap.

DEXs tend to have more anonymity, as they do not involve comprehensive identity verification processes (KYC/AML) like in most centralized platforms.

But DEXs present their own issues. Without the central organization, they are often more complicated to use, perhaps making them less attractive to new entrants. They are also less liquid than centralized exchanges, which could result in worse trading conditions for larger trades and more slippage.

Despite these limitations, decentralized exchanges are increasingly becoming a popular option for those who need secrecy and asset control.

DEX is one of the main types of crypto exchanges

Hybrid exchanges 

This third type of exchange merges the strengths of centralized and decentralized exchanges. They offer users a composite trading experience that brings together convenience, security, and control. Having the best of both worlds, hybrid crypto exchanges fuse centralized order matching and settlement with decentralized aspects like self-custody and peer-to-peer transactions. 

Some examples of such platforms are DeversiFi and Nash.

One of the biggest HEX advantages is that it provides the user-friendly functionality of centralized exchanges, such as fast trade execution and high liquidity. At the same time, they allow users to retain control of their assets, such as decentralized exchanges.

The model reduces the risk of having funds under the control of a centralized platform. Hybrid crypto exchanges also typically offer advanced trading options, such as spot and derivatives trading, for more skilled traders.

Hybrid cryptocurrency exchanges are still in their early days, and the technology that supports them is continuously developing. While they attempt to balance the experience, they may not yet equal the liquidity or security that is offered by purely centralized exchanges. Also, the user experience can be inconsistent since some hybrid platforms are still fine-tuning their features and user interfaces.

Despite these challenges, hybrid crypto exchanges are an attractive middle ground for traders who desire both security and speed, along with greater control of their assets.

hybrid cryptocurrency exchanges

Comparing CEXs, DEXs, and HEXs

When selecting a cryptocurrency exchange, it’s important to understand the distinctions between centralized exchanges, decentralized exchanges, and hybrid platforms. These different crypto exchanges offer unique benefits and drawbacks, making them suitable for diverse types of users. 

Below you can see a comparison table with the key features of each platform.

FeatureCentralized exchangesDecentralized exchangesHybrid crypto exchanges
Control of fundsThe platform holds the fundsUsers maintain full control of their assetsUsers retain control over their assets
User experienceBeginner-friendly, easy-to-useCan be challenging for newcomersOffers a blend of ease of use with self-custody
LiquidityHigh liquidity and fast transactionsGenerally lower liquidityLiquidity is improving, but still moderate
SecuritySusceptible to hacks and platform failuresHigh security, as users control private keys. However, vulnerabilities may exist in smart contractsBalances convenience with security
PrivacyRequires identity verification (KYC)Typically no KYC requiredKYC-free, with better security than CEXs
FeesUsually lower trading feesHigher due to network transaction costsLower fees than CEXs and DEXs
Order matchingCentralized order matchingPeer-to-peer order matchingCentralized matching with decentralized features
RegulationSubject to governmental regulationLess regulatedMay be regulated, depending on the platform
Support for advanced featuresFull range of trading options (spot, margin, etc.)Fewer advanced trading featuresOffers a range of advanced features, combining CEX and DEX benefits

What to consider when choosing between different crypto exchanges

When designing to build your own cryptocurrency exchange, choosing the appropriate type—centralized, decentralized, or hybrid—is important to achieving your objectives. The model of exchange you use will determine everything from the user interface to regulatory approval. 

So, what should you consider when deciding between different types of cryptocurrency exchanges? 

Target group and user experience

If your aim is to serve beginners or retail traders, then a CEX may be the optimal choice for you. It will generally be simpler to operate than a DEX, with easy interfaces and support from customers, which tends to appeal to newcomers. 

If you wish to serve more professional traders or those who like to be in charge of their investments, then a DEX or a hybrid exchange crypto may be more appropriate to such a strategy. These ones give more freedom but at an increased learning expense for both developers and users.

Security and control

One of the most important considerations in building an exchange is how you are going to manage user money and security. 

CEXs keep users’ money and, therefore, become primary targets for hacks, so excellent security is a necessity. If control of user funds is paramount, you can use the benefits HEX or DEX, which both enable users to keep their private keys in control. 

Liquidity considerations

For an exchange to be successful, it has to be extremely liquid. CEXs tend to fare well here since they have centralized order books and increased market depth. This makes them attractive to traders who are interested in fast execution and high volumes of trades. 

Liquidity problems may arise with DEXs, especially for smaller-hyped tokens or periods of low volatility. HEXs are more liquid than DEXs but less than a fully centralized exchange. If liquidity is essential to your business model, a CEX may be the best choice.

Regulatory compliance and privacy

If you’re designing an exchange that will be serving international markets or international markets with strong regulatory compliance, CEXs will be more likely to fall under regulatory supervision. This will necessitate them to have KYC and AML procedures. 

On the other hand, DEXs do not usually work under KYC limitations, offering greater anonymity to users. They will, however, need to deal with regulatory challenges, depending on the state or country. HEXs provide a middle ground, with some anonymity benefits and more formality than DEXs, which will appeal to some users and markets.

Fee structure

CEXs normally have more favorable fees on trades, possibly attracting high-frequency traders. However, they may also charge some other withdrawal or deposit fees. DEXs will often have higher transaction fees because of the expense of the blockchain network.

HEXs, while typically having a fee structure between DEXs and CEXs, may still need to factor in network congestion and blockchain transaction fees, especially if they are combining on-chain and off-chain features.

Development sophistication and maintenance

CEXs are generally more complex to implement and maintain due to the demands for secure, centralized infrastructure, sophisticated trading engines, and regulatory acceptability. 

On the other hand, the construction of DEX would typically be simpler in infrastructural aspects because the exchange is not centrally controlled. Despite the DEX advantages, they are need maybe more attention to building smart contracts and user interfaces would be required. 

HEXs combine system complexities and would potentially require an advanced technical stack to balance decentralized liquidity with centralized order matching.

Want to launch your crypto exchange quickly?
We have a white-label solution.

Launch your own crypto exchange fast with Peiko 

Skip the lengthy development cycle and have a fully branded, white-label exchange launched in just three weeks (!). Our solution offers a professionally designed platform that is launch-ready quickly and efficiently.

Peiko’s exchange provides seamless TradingView integration, real-time market data, and analysis tools for professionals. It is built on a scalable microservices architecture for high liquidity and commission-free automated trading. Security is prioritized with Fireblocks for custody, 2FA, and data encryption for safeguarding. You are in full control with a customizable admin panel for managing users and orders in real time.

CEX white-label solution for fast launch by Peiko

Our solution offers a rapid start, scalability, and peak performance, with 24/7 support and regular updates. And you can choose your hosting platform from top providers like Azure, AWS, and Google Cloud.

Conclusion

If you are at a crossroads of what types of crypto exchanges to create, you must weigh factors such as control, liquidity, security, and regulatory requirements. If ease of use and liquidity are your priority, then CEX is the direction to go. If privacy and decentralization are your concern, then DEX or HEX platform is probably what you need.

The Peiko team offers you a unique solution on how to create a reliable cryptocurrency exchange in just 3 weeks. If you are interested in how our team can help, contact us today.

FAQ

Which type of exchange is best for beginners?

We believe that a centralized exchange is ideal for beginners. If this is your target audience, then choose CEX. Such exchanges offer a simple interface and customer support.

Which type of crypto exchange is best for experienced traders?

Skilled traders often prefer decentralized or hybrid types of crypto exchanges. On these exchanges, users get more control over their assets and obtain access to advanced trading features.

What are the core differences between CEXs, DEXs, and HEXs?

CEX is centralized with high liquidity but requires trust in the platform. DEX is decentralized, giving users full control but lower liquidity. HEX combines the features of both types of cryptocurrency exchanges. It offers centralized matching with decentralized control.

    CONTENT

Understanding White-Label Crypto Exchanges: A Beginner’s Guide

# Blockchain
06.03.2025
9 min
147
Dima Lebed
Dima Lebed
Co-founder & CTO at Peiko

Сreating a new exchange from scratch can be quite challenging and time-consuming. White label crypto exchange software provides an effective solution, enabling businesses to introduce their own platform within a matter of weeks without needing to develop it in-depth or invest much capital. 

The pre-developed software enables businesses to rebrand and tailor the platform to meet their needs, offering a faster, more affordable entry into the market. The main advantages of such out-of-the-box solutions include decreased setup time and cost reduction for launching your own crypto exchange.

What is a white label cryptocurrency exchange?

A white-label crypto exchange is a pre-built platform that enables businesses to quickly deploy their own cryptocurrency exchange with minimal development effort. These solutions come with essential features such as trading engines, order matching, and wallet integration. All these features can be branded and customized to meet a business’s requirements and branding.

Why is it worth using a white label solution for crypto exchange development? Building a crypto exchange from the ground up with basic features would typically take 8-12 months, and more advanced platforms could take 16 months or longer. 

However, with a white-label offering by Peiko, businesses can have an operational, pre-made platform online in 3-6 weeks.

use white label centralized exchange made by Peiko

Also, the cost difference between launching a crypto exchange from scratch and using an out-of-the-box solution is significant. If the first variant may cost more than $500,000 depending on features, the second option will cost you just around $90,000.

In general, the most significant benefits of a white label centralized exchange are the development speed and cost advantages. 

Architecture of white-label crypto exchanges 

Let’s consider the essential features of white label software. 

1. Core infrastructure

The core infrastructure includes the fundamental components that ensure the seamless, safe, and efficient operation of a crypto exchange platform.

  • Trading engine Processes order matching and trade execution in real time.
  • Wallet system Manages hot and cold wallets to securely hold digital assets.
  • Liquidity integration Aggregates liquidity from multiple sources to offer stable price and volume.
  • Security A white label cryptocurrency exchange features robust encryption, multi-signature wallets, and frequent security audits.

2. Customization options

White-label crypto exchanges come with a set of customizable features that allow businesses to tailor the platform according to their brand and user needs.

  • UI/UX (user interface/user experience) Fully customizable user interface to accommodate a company’s branding and user experience.
  • Trading features Triggers like margin trading, advanced charting, and staking can be added.
  • Payment gateway Features a broad range of fiat-to-crypto payment methods.
  • API access For third-party services like trading robots or analytics portals to connect to.

3. Compliance and regulatory tools

White-label platforms should be pre-equipped with the regulatory tools like SumSub needed for adhering to legal stipulations and for combating financial crimes.

  • KYC/AML Combined tools for identity verification (know your customer) and anti-money laundering compliance.
  • Transaction monitoring Tracks and alerts suspicious activity to meet regulatory requirements.
  • Audit trails Keeps detailed records for transparency and auditing.

4. Platform management

These tools allow businesses that choose to buy white-label solutions to manage the operational aspect of their crypto exchange efficiently.

  • Admin dashboard Single point of management interface for managing platform operations and administering user accounts.
  • Risk management Monitors trading activity and adjusts limits based on market conditions.
  • Analytics Real-time analytics into platform performance and user activity.

Below, you can see an example of white label centralized crypto exchange software architecture. 

white label centralized exchange architecture

How does a white label exchange work? 

Let’s take a step-by-step look at what happens from the beginning when you purchase such a white label solution.

Initial consultation and personalization

After purchasing the white-label solution, firms collaborate with the provider. It is important to define branding, user interface preferences, as well as individual functionality needs. The platform is next customized to meet these preferences.

Platform deployment

Once the customization process is complete, the exchange platform is hosted on a secure server or cloud infrastructure to ensure optimal performance and uptime. The company is given access to the admin dashboard so that they can run and manage the exchange effectively.

Liquidity and payment gateway integration

The white label exchange platform is linked to liquidity providers, ensuring adequate trading volume and stable prices. Fiat-to-crypto payment gateways are also set up, allowing users to receive and send funds without any complications.

Compliance configuration

KYC and AML procedures are implemented to validate user identities and ensure regulatory compliance. Transaction monitoring software is also integrated to flag suspicious activities and keep the platform in a manner consistent with the law.

Day-to-day operations

The provider handles back-end operations like maintenance of the platform, software, and ongoing security monitoring, while the company focuses on customer acquisition, marketing, and support.

Ongoing support and maintenance

The white-label provider offers round-the-clock technical support to address any operational challenges. Regular software updates, security patches, and optimizations are implemented to keep the platform secure and running smoothly.

Want to launch your crypto exchange fast?
Turn to Peiko company.

Key features to look for in a white label provider 

The following-listed features and considerations are essential while evaluating providers for your platform:

main features of white label exchange platform

Customization flexibility

Ensure that the platform offers comprehensive UI/UX customization features to suit your branding. This includes design flexibility in color schemes, logos, and page layouts.

You should be able to selectively add or remove sophisticated trading features (like margin trading, staking, and futures) on a good provider. 

Scalability and performance

The platform has to be built on a scalable infrastructure. This includes using cloud-based solutions, decentralized storage, and load-balancing to optimize availability and fault tolerance.

Except this, traders demand performance. There needs to be an efficient low-latency trading engine to facilitate smooth and speedy order matching. 

Security measures

There should be multi-signature crypto wallets and cold storage solutions such that user funds remain safe from online attacks and hacking. The platform needs to have end-to-end encryption, particularly for personal as well as financial data. Two-factor authentication (2FA) is also essential.

Compliance and regulatory features

A white-label solution needs to have built-in KYC and AML tools so your exchange is in regulatory compliance with global requirements. Monitoring of transactions in real-time is required for the detection and flagging of suspicious transactions. 

Liquidity and market access

The platform must facilitate liquidity aggregation from various sources so that the platform will have a deep market and stable prices. This avoids slippage and seamless trading conditions.

The platform must facilitate simple mechanisms for deposit and withdrawal of fiat and cryptocurrencies.

API and integration capabilities

The platform should have robust API capability to connect with third-party services such as trading bots, market analytics, and liquidity providers. APIs should be well-documented and support RESTful architecture and WebSockets for real-time data integration.

Who uses white label exchange solutions? 

White-label cryptocurrency exchanges are adopted by a broad range of firms looking to offer cryptocurrency trading services in a cost-efficient and effective way. 

businesses that use white label exchange solutions

Startups and new market entrants

New companies and entrepreneurs who wish to enter the cryptocurrency space typically use white-label exchanges to avoid the astronomical costs and lengthy timelines of building a platform from the ground up. 

Example: CoinSwitch – A new startup cryptocurrency exchange that initially utilized a white-label solution to roll out its platform in a hurry. By doing so, it was able to focus on building its user base and establishing its brand before needing to invest in its own infrastructure.

Traditional financial institutions

These institutions, including banks, hedge funds, and investment firms, turn to white-label exchanges to include cryptocurrency trading in their service platforms. 

Example: Revolut – A well-known fintech company that utilized a white-label platform to add cryptocurrency trading functionality to its existing financial offerings. This allowed Revolut to roll out crypto trading swiftly and in regulatory compliance without building its own platform from scratch.

Existing cryptocurrency exchanges

Established crypto exchanges that want to expand, improve features, or implement a fresh look and feel to their platform can leverage white-label solutions.

Example: The large U.S.-based exchange, Gemini, is leveraging white-label solutions to power its Gemini Custody institution service. It enables other businesses to create branded cryptocurrency custody products on top of Gemini’s safe infrastructure without developing their own solution from the ground up.

Niche market providers

Companies operating in niche markets such as game platforms, tokenized asset providers, or DeFi protocols usually prefer white-label exchanges in order to serve their targeted user base.

Example: The Sandbox – A decentralized game universe that empowers players to create, own, and trade in-game assets. By implementing a white-label exchange, The Sandbox enabled its users to enjoy blockchain powered trading.

Need a reliable crypto exchange?
Our team has solution.

Go to the market fast with our white-label crypto exchange software 

Have your own professional white label centralized exchange up and running in three weeks with our white-label solution. Instead of spending several months or years building an exchange from the ground up, you can have a fully branded, custom-built platform up and running in a short period of time. 

What does our white label cryptocurrency exchange offer?

  • Advanced trading Close integration with TradingView for real-time market data and analysis.
  • Optimized performance Microservices architecture for fast execution and scalability.
  • Liquidity & bots High liquidity and trading bot integration, with no commission fees for users.
  • Robust security Integrated with Fireblocks for custody, 2FA for extra security, and advanced encryption for data protection.
  • Fully customizable Very flexible admin panel for easy user administration and real-time order matching functionality.

Additional advantages:

  • Rapid and cost-effective platform deployment.
  • Versatile architecture to accommodate increasing traffic from users.
  • 24/7 real-time technical assistance and timely updates.
  • Host-agnostic and supported on leading cloud platforms like Azure, AWS, and Google Cloud.
white label crypto exchange made by Peiko

Conclusion

With the crypto market on fire, it’s the perfect time to get started on your crypto project, like a crypto exchange. With the white-label solution, you can have your exchange up and running immediately, start earning revenue sooner, and beat your competitors.

If you need a robust, customizable, and reliable crypto exchange solution, Peiko’s white-label offering is the ideal choice. Reach out to Peiko today to elevate your crypto business to the next level!

FAQ

What is a white label in crypto?

A white-label in crypto refers to an entirely developed-out cryptocurrency exchange platform that can be rebranded and customized by firms to suit their own specific needs.

How much does a white label exchange cost?

White-label crypto exchange prices differ, although the typical cost is much lower than building from scratch and is around $90,000.

What is white label digital wallet?

A white-label digital wallet is a ready-to-use cryptocurrency wallet solution that can be rebranded and personalized by companies to offer their users secure storage and management of digital assets.

How do I start a white-label crypto exchange?

To start, you would partner with a reliable white label exchange platform provider, for example, Peiko, who could allow you to white-label and launch your project in a matter of weeks.

What is white-label crypto?

White-label crypto is an exchange platform that is developed by a provider but can be white-labeled and branded by a company to resell crypto services to its customers.

    CONTENT