Electronic platforms for trading cryptocurrencies
The most popular platforms for buying and selling crypto assets. These are the platforms that most newcomers use when taking their first steps in the world of digital assets. They are also often used to store cryptocurrency savings and exchange them.
Types of cryptocurrency exchanges and their features
Among the existing ones, two most common and important platforms should be distinguished:
- Centralized (CEX). They act as an intermediary between the seller and the buyer, i.e. as a third party. Since they are controlled and managed by legal entities in the form of a company, they ensure the reliability of transactions. Most transactions are carried out through centralized platforms. Their main advantages are convenience and reliability. The disadvantages are high fees and the risk of hacker attacks.
- Decentralized (DEX). Allows users to conduct peer-to-peer transactions without an intermediary. Some consumers prefer this type. In their opinion, they have advantages in terms of security and autonomy over the previous option. The main advantages are confidentiality, protection from hackers and market speculation. The disadvantages are the lack of fiat currency trading, the platform's inconvenient interface, and liquidity problems.
If we compare the types and reviews of users, we can conclude that most of them choose centralized ones.
Rating of cryptocurrency exchanges in Ukraine and the world
Let's take a look at the most used platforms in the Ukrainian and global markets.
Top 5 exchanges in Ukraine:
- Binance.
- By Bit.
- Coinbase Exchange.
- Kraken.
- WhiteBIT.
Top 5 global exchanges:
- By Bit.
- Binance.
- OKEx.
- Huobi Global.
- KuCoin.
The rating was created in 2023 by ITF experts to facilitate the choice of users.
To make a good choice, you need to pay attention to several parameters during the search. The main ones are:
- Note the high turnover rate. This is a sign of popularity. The higher the trading volume, the higher the chances of making money on the auction. Therefore, be sure to pay attention when choosing.
- To get started, be sure to find information about the payment systems that the exchange works with. Find out in what currency you can deposit and withdraw funds.
- The presence of a large number of cryptocurrency pairs. A large selection of them means real opportunities to exchange one cryptocurrency for another to make good money.
If you want to have a passive income, be sure to take these criteria into account when choosing.
Advantages and disadvantages of trading on cryptocurrency exchanges
The main advantage is the ability to trade digital assets regardless of the amount of cryptocurrency immediately after registration. The ability to buy and sell without restrictions, as markets operate around the clock. Cryptocurrencies and the blockchain technology they operate on are designed to maintain user anonymity and process payments without intermediaries.
The downside of the market is the lack of government control. This means that there is no protection for exchanges, institutions, and traders who encounter fraud. While trading, you can fall victim to pumping and dumping schemes.
How to trade on cryptocurrency exchanges: technical aspects
A list of step-by-step actions that allow you to start and execute cryptocurrency trading:
- Registration on a cryptocurrency exchange.
- Top up your own balance.
- Choosing a cryptocurrency for investment.
- Starting trading.
- Storage of cryptocurrency.
These few steps will allow you to learn how trading works.
Opportunities and risks of margin trading on cryptocurrency exchanges
This method has advantages and certain disadvantages. In the stock market, it is impossible to make a large profit quickly without having significant funds on your account. Crypto allows you to raise borrowed funds and make money on small transactions. The higher the leverage, the higher the profit. Most leveraged trades are made with first-tier stocks, the most reliable securities with low volatility.
The downside is that when trading on margin, you can quickly lose all your money invested due to strong fluctuations in the stock price. When trading with leverage, investors use money that does not belong to them. In fact, the broker can force them to return it back at any time. Currently, the margin method is risky for earnings.
Regulation of cryptocurrency exchanges and consumer protection
One of the biggest challenges facing cryptocurrency exchanges is regulatory uncertainty. The main problem is that each country and jurisdiction has its own legislation. While some support blockchain technology, others actively prohibit buying and selling.
In some cases, the laws are vague, and the legislation only partially covers the complexities of digital asset transactions. Much work needs to be done to ensure that this area is perceived as a safe, legal, and mainstream investment option.