The crypto world is evolving fast. One of the biggest debates in the space today is between centralized exchanges (CEXs) and decentralized exchanges (DEXs). Both serve as platforms for buying, selling, and trading cryptocurrencies, but they do it in very different ways. To really understand where things are going, it helps to look at the numbers.
1. In 2021, CEXs accounted for over 95% of total crypto trading volume
Even though decentralized exchanges have exploded in popularity, centralized exchanges still dominate trading volume. In 2021, they handled more than 95% of all crypto trades.
This dominance came from several advantages: user-friendly interfaces, fast trade execution, fiat on-ramps, and the trust people have in big names like Binance, Coinbase, and Kraken.
So what does this mean for traders? If you’re looking for deep liquidity, fast matching engines, and the ability to trade large amounts without much slippage, CEXs are still the place to be.
Institutional investors, in particular, rely on CEXs because of this reliability.
But don’t overlook the DEX ecosystem. While it’s smaller in comparison, it’s growing and getting better.
If you’re building a crypto project, launching first on a CEX might give you more exposure—but listing on a DEX gives early adopters a way to support your token before you reach the big leagues.
Action tip: If you’re a beginner, start trading on a CEX to learn the basics. As you gain experience, explore DEXs to diversify your access and take part in newer opportunities like yield farming or token launches.
2. DEX volume peaked at $173 billion in May 2021
May 2021 was a landmark month for decentralized trading. DEX volume surged to a record-breaking $173 billion.
That one stat proved that DEXs weren’t just a niche product anymore. They were handling serious money—and doing it without intermediaries.
This volume peak was fueled by a mix of factors: booming interest in DeFi, Ethereum’s rising price, and a flood of new tokens hitting the market. People turned to DEXs to access these early, often before they were available anywhere else.
The takeaway? DEXs are where the action is for early-stage projects and high-risk, high-reward plays.
But this also means more volatility, higher gas fees, and sometimes very low liquidity.
If you’re a builder, this stat shows why it’s smart to launch on a DEX when the market is hot. DEXs give your project exposure and accessibility, without the need for complex listing procedures or negotiations with centralized platforms.
Action tip: Keep an eye on monthly DEX volume. When it spikes, it’s a signal that traders are getting more active on-chain. That could mean more opportunities to discover promising tokens early or capitalize on short-term momentum.
3. Uniswap alone has facilitated over $2 trillion in cumulative trading volume
Uniswap isn’t just another DEX—it’s the gold standard of decentralized trading.
With over $2 trillion in total trading volume, it’s earned its place at the top. That’s not just a number; it’s proof that people trust the protocol and are using it at scale.
For traders, Uniswap’s popularity means more liquidity, tighter spreads, and more trading pairs. For developers, it offers an easy way to list tokens and access a large audience of users.
And for liquidity providers, Uniswap is one of the best places to earn fees passively by supplying tokens to pools.
If you’re new to DEXs, Uniswap is a good starting point. It runs on Ethereum, but also supports Layer 2 solutions and alternative chains like Arbitrum and Optimism. That means you can trade with lower fees if you plan well.
Action tip: Use Uniswap to explore lesser-known tokens and invest early.
But always research the token first—just because it’s on Uniswap doesn’t mean it’s legit. Stick to verified contracts and look for community traction before committing funds.
4. Binance processes over $65 billion in daily trading volume on average
Binance is the heavyweight champion of centralized exchanges. With an average daily volume of over $65 billion, it’s in a league of its own.
This scale gives Binance enormous influence in the crypto market. When a coin gets listed there, the price often jumps. When Binance announces a new product, the market pays attention.
The size of Binance’s trading volume also means better execution for traders. Large trades can go through with minimal slippage. This is important for high-frequency traders, whales, and institutions who need to move big amounts fast.
If you’re a startup or token creator, getting listed on Binance should be one of your long-term goals. It not only gives you exposure, but also builds credibility with investors.
Action tip: Use Binance when you need fast execution, low spreads, or access to leveraged trading. Be aware of KYC requirements and regional restrictions, though. Not every feature is available in every country.
5. DEXs represent roughly 10-15% of total crypto spot trading volume as of 2024
While CEXs still dominate, the slice of the pie held by DEXs is growing steadily. As of 2024, DEXs make up about 10 to 15 percent of all spot trading volume. That might not sound like a lot, but it’s a massive jump from just a few years ago.
This trend shows a shift in user behavior. People are starting to value privacy, control, and decentralization more. With DEXs, you keep custody of your funds and don’t need to hand over personal details.
That’s becoming more important as concerns about regulation and data privacy rise.
For developers, this stat means DEXs are now serious players. Launching on a DEX is no longer seen as secondary—it can be the main strategy. For users, it’s a sign that DEX tools are becoming more user-friendly and reliable.
Action tip: If you’re a trader, split your activity between CEXs and DEXs. That way, you get the best of both worlds—liquidity and speed from CEXs, and privacy and innovation from DEXs.
6. CEXs have over 300 million registered users globally
Centralized exchanges are often the first stop for anyone entering the crypto world. That’s why it’s no surprise that there are over 300 million registered users across various CEX platforms.
These users range from beginners making their first crypto purchase to pro traders executing high-volume strategies.
What does this tell us? Simply put, CEXs are still the gateway to crypto for the majority of people. Most new users aren’t ready to deal with wallets, gas fees, and the technical side of DEXs.
They want something that looks and feels like their online banking app—and that’s what CEXs offer.
For businesses, this stat matters too. If you’re launching a token or building a project, remember where the crowd is. Even if you believe in decentralization, it’s smart to reach users where they already are. That often means partnering with or getting listed on a CEX.
Action tip: If you’re trying to grow your crypto project, focus on visibility within top CEXs through community events, education, or airdrops.
For users, start with a CEX to learn the ropes and build your confidence before exploring decentralized tools.
7. DEXs have approximately 10–15 million active monthly users
While the user base on decentralized exchanges is smaller than CEXs, 10 to 15 million active users each month is still impressive.
These aren’t just casual users either—most DEX users are engaged, tech-savvy, and usually more adventurous with their trading.
This stat shows that DEXs have carved out a strong and loyal user base. These are the people who want self-custody, transparency, and access to new tokens before they hit centralized platforms.
They’re often early adopters and play a key role in discovering trends.
If you’re a developer or token creator, this audience is gold. They’re often willing to provide feedback, participate in governance, and spread the word. But they also expect a lot—good documentation, clear smart contracts, and fair tokenomics.
Action tip: To reach DEX users, focus on building trust. Make sure your token contracts are verified, your community channels are active, and your product is easy to use.
For traders, think of DEXs as a way to get ahead of the curve and access new opportunities before the mainstream catches on.
8. Over 80% of crypto users start trading on centralized exchanges
When someone decides to get into crypto, the path usually begins with a centralized exchange.
More than 80% of crypto users start their journey on a CEX. This makes sense—CEXs accept fiat, have mobile apps, and offer familiar login processes.
The takeaway? CEXs play a crucial onboarding role in the crypto space. Whether someone is buying their first Bitcoin or experimenting with altcoins, CEXs provide a low-barrier entry. For many, this is where they gain confidence before exploring more complex tools.
For projects, this stat means your visibility on CEXs matters more than you think. Even if you’re a DeFi-native project, CEX listings can drastically increase your exposure and liquidity.
Action tip: If you’re a founder, build educational content around your token that helps new CEX users understand it.
For users, start on a trusted CEX and don’t rush into DEXs until you’re comfortable with wallets and blockchain mechanics.
9. CEXs support fiat on-ramps in over 100 countries
One of the biggest strengths of centralized exchanges is their global infrastructure.
Most top CEXs support fiat deposits and withdrawals in over 100 countries. This allows users to easily convert their local currency into crypto and vice versa.
This kind of accessibility is critical. Without fiat on-ramps, people would need to rely on peer-to-peer trades or third-party services, which are riskier and often more complicated.
CEXs make it easy to onboard, especially for people who are new to the space.
If you’re targeting a global user base, listing your project on a CEX can remove a lot of friction. Your token becomes available to a broader audience who can buy it directly with cash, credit, or local payment methods.
Action tip: Traders should always choose CEXs that support their local currency for faster transactions and fewer fees.
Developers should target exchanges that offer fiat pairs with your token to improve accessibility.
10. Uniswap V3 supports over 50,000 daily active users
Uniswap V3 has introduced powerful upgrades that make trading and providing liquidity more efficient.
It’s no surprise then that the platform consistently sees over 50,000 daily active users. That’s a strong indicator of how sticky and useful the protocol has become.
Unlike earlier versions, V3 allows concentrated liquidity. This means liquidity providers can choose specific price ranges where they want to supply funds, maximizing their returns.
Traders, on the other hand, benefit from tighter spreads and less slippage.
This kind of consistent activity shows trust. People are coming back every day because they see value.
If you’re a token builder, having your project available on Uniswap V3 can lead to organic volume—especially if your community is active.
Action tip: For traders, learn how to use Uniswap V3’s interface and analytics tools. Understand how slippage, liquidity depth, and pool fees work before you make big trades.
For liquidity providers, start small and monitor your earnings to see if concentrated liquidity strategies work for you.
11. PancakeSwap has over 1.5 million unique wallets
PancakeSwap isn’t just a popular DEX—it’s a massive ecosystem on the BNB Chain, and it boasts over 1.5 million unique wallets. That number isn’t just a vanity metric.
It shows real traction and wide adoption across many different user types, especially in regions where Binance Smart Chain is preferred due to lower gas fees.
Why do so many people use PancakeSwap? Simplicity and affordability. Unlike Ethereum-based DEXs, PancakeSwap has much cheaper transaction fees, which attracts retail users and smaller traders who might find Ethereum gas prices too expensive.
It also features more than just token swaps—it offers staking, lotteries, NFTs, and gamified yield farming.
This large user base is a big signal for developers looking to launch on BNB Chain. If you’re launching a token with mass appeal, PancakeSwap can be a smart first home.
The active community is always on the lookout for new opportunities, especially ones that offer high APYs or viral mechanics.
Action tip: If you’re new to DEXs, PancakeSwap is a great entry point. It’s beginner-friendly, and you can trade without worrying about high gas fees.
For builders, take advantage of PancakeSwap’s wide reach and community incentives to get traction fast.
12. CEXs are more commonly used for margin and futures trading, representing 95%+ of derivatives volume
When it comes to leveraged products—like margin trading and futures—centralized exchanges own the game. Over 95% of crypto derivatives volume happens on CEXs.
This is because DEXs are still catching up in terms of performance, UI, and risk management features for advanced trading.
CEXs offer features like cross-margining, real-time liquidations, stop-loss tools, and isolated leverage—all of which are difficult to build into smart contracts without risking huge gas costs or security bugs.
Platforms like Binance, Bybit, and OKX lead the charge here, offering complex derivatives tools that cater to pros and institutions.
If you’re looking to trade with leverage, CEXs provide a much safer and smoother experience. DEXs like dYdX and GMX are improving quickly, but they’re still more niche in terms of user base and available assets.
Action tip: Only use leverage if you fully understand the risks. If you do, stick to trusted CEXs that have robust insurance funds and proven track records.
Builders: unless your product is rock solid, avoid launching leveraged products on-chain until your protocol can handle it.
13. DEXs offer over 1,000 tokens, often listing new projects before CEXs
One of the major draws of decentralized exchanges is the sheer variety of tokens available.
With over 1,000 tokens listed on major DEXs, users have access to a constantly expanding universe of assets—many of which aren’t available on centralized platforms yet.
This early access is what makes DEXs appealing for those hunting for the next breakout token. Anyone can launch a token on a DEX with minimal friction, and this open listing model creates a space for innovation (and speculation).
While it also opens the door to scams and rug pulls, informed users can navigate these waters and get in early on solid projects.
For token creators, DEXs are the fastest way to launch and bootstrap liquidity. There’s no lengthy application process or gatekeepers. With the right community support, your token can take off quickly—especially if it hits a trend or niche at just the right time.
Action tip: If you’re a trader looking for upside, explore token listings on platforms like Uniswap, SushiSwap, or PancakeSwap. Use tools like DEXTools or TokenSniffer to vet new listings.
For builders, ensure your contract is verified and your team is transparent—this builds early trust.
14. Over 70% of stablecoin volume is traded on centralized exchanges
Stablecoins like USDT, USDC, and BUSD are the lifeblood of crypto trading—and over 70% of their volume flows through centralized exchanges.
That’s because traders often move in and out of stablecoins as part of their trading strategy, and CEXs offer deep liquidity and fast execution for these stable pairs.
When volatility spikes, many traders rush to stablecoins for safety. CEXs make it easy to convert assets into stablecoins with minimal slippage. This convenience is especially important for institutional traders managing large portfolios.
From a builder’s perspective, having your token paired with a stablecoin on a CEX adds credibility and makes it easier for users to enter or exit positions. For users, trading with stablecoins reduces exposure to volatility, helps with accounting, and simplifies position management.
Action tip: As a trader, always keep some stablecoins on hand to manage risk or take profits quickly.
For projects, push to get listed with a stablecoin pair early—it makes your token more accessible and tradable.
15. DEX fees can be 3–5x higher due to gas costs, especially on Ethereum
One of the biggest downsides of DEXs is the cost. Trading on Ethereum-based DEXs like Uniswap can come with high gas fees, sometimes making the total cost 3 to 5 times higher than what you’d pay on a centralized exchange.
These fees can eat into profits fast, especially for smaller trades. The issue stems from how Ethereum works: each trade involves smart contract interactions, and those actions consume gas. When the network is busy, gas prices surge, making trades more expensive.
This stat is a big reminder to plan your trades wisely. Don’t make a bunch of tiny trades on a DEX during peak times.
Use Layer 2s like Arbitrum or Optimism, or explore cheaper chains like BNB Chain, Polygon, or Avalanche for your trades.
Action tip: Use gas trackers before placing trades to time them during cheaper periods.
For frequent traders, consider using DEXs on Layer 2 or sidechains to keep your fees low. Builders: if you’re deploying a DEX, make sure it’s optimized for gas efficiency to attract more users.
16. Over 60% of DeFi TVL is connected to DEX protocols
Total Value Locked (TVL) is a key metric in the DeFi world. It tells us how much money is sitting in smart contracts, and over 60% of it is tied up in decentralized exchanges.
This includes liquidity pools, staking contracts, and yield farming platforms connected to DEXs like Uniswap, Curve, Balancer, and PancakeSwap.
What does this mean for users? It shows that DEXs are more than just places to swap tokens. They’ve become the backbone of the DeFi economy. Users don’t just trade—they provide liquidity, earn rewards, and participate in governance.
The value being locked reflects deep trust in the infrastructure.
For builders, this stat signals the importance of integrating with DEX protocols. If you’re launching a DeFi project, tying into an existing DEX ecosystem can give you instant exposure and utility.
Whether you’re launching a lending protocol or a new stablecoin, plugging into where liquidity already exists is key.
Action tip: For users, look at DEXs with high TVL as potential places to earn yield through liquidity provision. For developers, focus on DEX integrations when building a new protocol.
This is where most of the DeFi liquidity lives—and you want to be close to that action.
17. CEX users are more likely to use mobile apps—over 70% of CEX traffic is mobile
The majority of users accessing centralized exchanges do so through mobile apps. Over 70% of CEX traffic now comes from mobile devices. This isn’t surprising—most CEXs have sleek, user-friendly apps that mirror the experience of stock trading or banking.
Why does this matter? It shows that convenience is king. Crypto is no longer just for people at their desktops.
If users can’t buy, sell, or check charts on the go, they’re less likely to stay active. This also highlights a clear gap for DEXs, where mobile usability still lags behind.
If you’re running a project or launching a token, keep in mind that mobile-first users will mostly interact with you via CEXs at first. You’ll need to meet them there before they even think about downloading a wallet and interacting with a DEX.
Action tip: For traders, choose CEXs with responsive and secure mobile apps so you can act quickly when markets move.
For builders, make sure your token’s data and branding are optimized for mobile interfaces, especially on exchange apps and wallet platforms.
18. DEXs experienced a 240% YoY growth in unique wallets in 2021
The explosion in DeFi activity during 2021 led to a 240% year-over-year growth in the number of unique wallets using DEXs.
That kind of growth tells us that more and more users are exploring self-custody and decentralized trading.
This growth was fueled by several things: a booming altcoin season, attractive yield farming rewards, and a wider awareness of the risks that come with centralized custody.
As more users got rugged or experienced CEX downtime, the appeal of DEXs grew stronger.
For new traders, this growth is important. It means you’re not alone in wanting more control over your assets. And as DEXs become more mainstream, interfaces and user experience will continue to improve. You’re entering at a good time.
Action tip: Start exploring with small amounts to learn how DEXs work. Use wallet aggregators and dashboards like Zapper or DeBank to keep track of your assets.
For project teams, make wallet compatibility easy—support multiple chains and educate users at every touchpoint.
19. Centralized exchanges have faced over 60 major security breaches since 2012
Over 60 major hacks have hit centralized exchanges since 2012. These breaches have resulted in billions of dollars in losses, from Mt. Gox to more recent exploits like the KuCoin hack.
Despite improvements in security, CEXs are still centralized targets—which makes them attractive for hackers.
This stat reminds users that no matter how big or trusted a CEX is, there’s always a risk. Your assets are only as safe as the exchange’s security infrastructure. If their systems go down, freeze withdrawals, or get hacked, you may have limited options to recover funds.
On the flip side, DEXs reduce this risk because users keep custody of their own funds.
But that comes with its own challenges—like needing to manage your private keys and being responsible for every transaction.
Action tip: Never store large amounts of crypto on any exchange long-term. Use exchanges for trading, then move funds to your personal wallet. Enable two-factor authentication and withdrawal whitelists wherever possible.
For builders, consider decentralized custody integrations or hybrid models to give users more control and peace of mind.
20. DEXs, by design, have no custody risk; 100% of funds stay in users’ wallets
One of the most powerful features of decentralized exchanges is that they don’t hold your money. When you trade on a DEX, your crypto never leaves your wallet unless you authorize a transaction.
This design removes the risk of losing funds in an exchange hack or withdrawal freeze.
For users, this means greater peace of mind and full control. You don’t need to trust a company—you only need to trust the code. If the DEX works properly and the smart contracts are secure, your funds are always safe from centralized failure.
For developers, this design encourages transparency. Every trade, every liquidity pool, and every reward is out in the open for anyone to inspect. This builds community trust and reduces the chances of a single point of failure.
Action tip: Use reputable DEXs with audited smart contracts. Always double-check contract approvals and revoke permissions you’re no longer using. For token creators, embrace this model—design your tokenomics and user flows around trustless, user-first infrastructure.
21. Binance has over 100 million monthly visitors
Binance isn’t just the biggest exchange in terms of volume—it’s also a massive hub of user activity. With over 100 million monthly visitors, Binance has turned itself into more than a trading platform.
It’s a full-scale crypto ecosystem, including spot trading, futures, staking, NFTs, launchpads, and more.
That level of traffic is a magnet for liquidity, projects, and partnerships. If you’re building a token or DeFi project, getting featured on Binance can massively boost your visibility and credibility.
It also means facing intense competition, as Binance lists only a small fraction of applicants.
For traders, this kind of user base usually translates to better liquidity, faster trade matching, and more trading pairs. Plus, there’s comfort in knowing you’re not alone—millions of others are making moves just like you.
Action tip: If you’re just starting, take the time to explore Binance’s entire platform—not just spot trading. There are educational resources, demo features, and passive income options like staking.
For builders, consider smaller Binance programs (like BNB Chain grants) as a first step before aiming for a mainnet listing.
22. DEXs are responsible for less than 1% of crypto phishing losses
This stat may surprise you—in a space where scams are common, decentralized exchanges are rarely the main source of phishing losses. Less than 1% of phishing-related losses originate from DEX platforms.
This is largely because DEXs don’t store user data, don’t require logins, and don’t manage your funds.
Most phishing happens when people are tricked into revealing wallet keys or interacting with fake sites that look like wallets or exchanges.
While this can happen to DEX users, the risk is lower because there are no user accounts to target directly.
This is a big security advantage. If you’re careful about what you click, use legit interfaces, and check URLs before connecting your wallet, you can avoid most risks.
CEXs, by contrast, often require your email, password, KYC data, and can become targets of more sophisticated identity theft attacks.
Action tip: Always bookmark the official links to DEX platforms you use. Never sign wallet transactions you don’t understand. For developers, use domain verification tools, SSL, and security banners to help users avoid copycat websites.
23. Slippage on DEXs can exceed 2% on low liquidity pairs
Slippage happens when your trade executes at a different price than expected. On DEXs, especially for smaller tokens or during high volatility, slippage can easily go over 2%.
This happens when liquidity is thin—meaning there aren’t enough buyers and sellers around your trade size to keep the price stable.
For example, if you’re buying a token from a small liquidity pool, even a modest trade can push the price up or down significantly. You might think you’re buying at $1.00, but you end up paying $1.03, and that’s before fees. This can eat into profits fast.
That’s why experienced DEX traders always check the slippage tolerance before executing a trade.
It’s also why they often break large trades into smaller chunks, use aggregators to find the best price, or wait for better conditions.
Action tip: Use tools like 1inch or Matcha to route trades across multiple DEXs and minimize slippage. For small-cap tokens, try to trade when liquidity is highest—usually during peak hours.
If you’re launching a token, seed your pool with enough liquidity to protect early buyers from price jumps.
24. Over 50% of DEX users engage in yield farming or liquidity provision
DEXs aren’t just places to swap tokens—they’re also earning machines.
Over half of DEX users participate in yield farming or provide liquidity to earn rewards. This tells us that people aren’t just trading—they’re working their assets to make them grow.
Yield farming usually involves locking tokens into smart contracts that distribute rewards in return. It’s often riskier than holding or trading, but the upside can be worth it—especially in bull markets.
Liquidity providers earn a share of trading fees, which can become significant if the token pair is active.
For users, this stat is a reminder that simply holding tokens isn’t the only way to grow value. But it’s not passive income in the traditional sense—you’ll need to monitor impermanent loss, smart contract risks, and market volatility.
Action tip: Start with low-risk pools, like stablecoin pairs, before jumping into high-APR farms. Read the docs, know how to withdraw at any time, and use analytics platforms to monitor your returns.
For token projects, incentivizing liquidity is one of the fastest ways to build momentum.
25. Average transaction time on CEXs is under 1 second; on DEXs it can be up to a minute
Speed matters in trading. Centralized exchanges are incredibly fast—most trades are executed in under a second.
This is possible because CEXs use internal order books and server infrastructure that’s optimized for speed and scale.
DEXs, on the other hand, rely on blockchain confirmations, which can take anywhere from a few seconds to a full minute depending on network congestion.
This difference is critical in fast-moving markets. If you’re trying to execute a trade during a price spike, a 45-second delay on a DEX can mean a totally different price by the time your transaction clears. On a CEX, you click, and it’s done.
That doesn’t mean DEXs are unusable—it just means they require a different rhythm.
You’ll need to plan your trades, accept some volatility, and choose the right networks. Layer 2s like Optimism or sidechains like BNB Chain help reduce delays.
Action tip: For time-sensitive trades, use CEXs. For DeFi strategies or less volatile positions, DEXs are fine. On Ethereum, avoid trading during congestion (like big NFT drops or gas wars).
Builders: if you’re launching a DEX, deploy on fast networks and offer gas optimization options.
26. DEX aggregators like 1inch and Matcha route millions in daily trades across multiple DEXs
One of the smartest tools in decentralized trading today is the DEX aggregator. Platforms like 1inch, Matcha, and Paraswap automatically search across dozens of decentralized exchanges to find the best price for your trade.
These aggregators now route millions in daily volume, quietly optimizing trades behind the scenes.
Here’s why that matters: instead of sticking to one DEX like Uniswap or SushiSwap, you can let an aggregator split your trade across several platforms to get you the best rate and lowest slippage.
It’s like using a flight comparison website that finds the cheapest ticket for the same destination.
For users, this makes DEX trading much more efficient. It reduces the need to manually compare prices and helps avoid large slippage—especially on big trades or illiquid tokens.
For developers and token projects, being supported by aggregators increases your token’s exposure across the entire DeFi ecosystem.
Action tip: Always run your trades through an aggregator, even if you know which DEX you want to use.
You might be surprised at how much you can save. Builders, make sure your token is available on the major DEXs that these aggregators pull data from—it can dramatically increase your volume.
27. More than 60% of DEX trades are executed on Ethereum Layer 2s or alternative chains
Ethereum’s gas fees have pushed a major portion of DEX activity onto Layer 2 solutions and alternative chains.
Over 60% of DEX trades are now executed off the Ethereum mainnet—on networks like Arbitrum, Optimism, BNB Chain, Polygon, and Avalanche.
Why? It’s simple—lower fees and faster transactions. Users don’t want to pay $20 just to swap $100.
And as Layer 2 adoption grows, DEXs have started launching natively on these chains. The experience feels just like trading on mainnet, but without the painful costs.
For users, this trend means better efficiency, but it also introduces a new decision: which chain should you trade on? Each has different ecosystems, tokens, and user bases.
For projects, this is a reminder that launching on Ethereum alone isn’t enough anymore. Multi-chain support is now expected.
Action tip: Choose a Layer 2 that matches your trading needs. Arbitrum and Optimism are great for fast DEX trading with deep liquidity. If you’re new, try Polygon or BNB Chain—they’re cheap and easy to use.
For builders, don’t ignore Layer 2—make your project cross-chain to stay competitive.
28. CEXs are legally compliant in over 60 jurisdictions
Regulatory compliance is one of the main advantages centralized exchanges offer. Major CEXs are registered and compliant in over 60 jurisdictions worldwide.
That means they can operate legally in a wide range of countries and give users peace of mind about local laws and protections.
This matters more than ever as governments tighten their grip on the crypto space.
Users are becoming cautious about which platforms they trust with their funds, and CEXs that comply with KYC, AML, and data security laws are gaining user trust—especially among institutions.
For retail traders, using a compliant exchange adds an extra layer of safety. You’re more likely to get customer support, have recourse in the event of a dispute, and feel protected under local financial rules.
For crypto businesses, listing on compliant CEXs gives access to fiat gateways, banks, and more legitimacy.
Action tip: Always check whether a CEX is licensed in your region. Avoid unregulated platforms that offer high leverage with little oversight.
For builders, make compliance part of your roadmap early—it’ll open doors to better partnerships and funding.
29. DEXs are more popular in regions with high financial censorship or limited access to CEXs
In places where people face restrictions on banking, investments, or capital flows, DEXs shine. They’ve become incredibly popular in regions with high financial censorship or limited access to centralized platforms.
Countries with strict capital controls or political instability often see DEX usage spike when citizens look for alternatives.
Why? Because DEXs are permissionless. You don’t need to verify your identity, hand over personal info, or get approval to trade.
As long as you have an internet connection and a wallet, you can participate in the crypto economy.
This makes DEXs a powerful financial tool for people who are otherwise cut off. It’s also why many crypto projects that start in emerging markets focus on decentralized models—they fit the local realities better.
Action tip: If you live in a restricted country, educate yourself on how to use non-custodial wallets and DEXs safely. Use VPNs responsibly and protect your seed phrases.
Builders: design your apps to be censorship-resistant and low-bandwidth so they’re accessible anywhere in the world.
30. Over 40% of new token listings now debut first on DEXs before migrating to CEXs
The launch playbook has changed. These days, more than 40% of new tokens make their debut on decentralized exchanges before appearing on centralized platforms.
This trend reflects the growing influence of DEXs as launchpads for innovation.
Launching on a DEX is fast, cheap, and accessible. There’s no need to negotiate with listing teams or go through heavy due diligence. Projects can deploy a smart contract, add liquidity, and start trading instantly.
That gives early supporters the chance to get in before broader exposure kicks in.
CEXs often wait to list tokens until they’ve gained traction and proved demand. So if you’re an investor looking for early-stage projects, DEXs are where the journey often begins. But with that opportunity comes higher risk—you’re operating without centralized vetting or support.
Action tip: Use platforms like Token Sniffer, RugDoc, or DeFiLlama to screen new listings before jumping in.
For builders, launch on a DEX with a fair launch or liquidity mining campaign to build momentum. Then use that growth to pitch a CEX listing later on.
wrapping it up
There’s no one-size-fits-all answer in the debate between DEXs and CEXs. Centralized exchanges dominate in volume, speed, and onboarding—but decentralized exchanges are catching up fast in innovation, flexibility, and user empowerment.
