Launching a crypto exchange involves complex undertakings in the blockchain space, with practical differences between centralized and decentralized models.
Centralized exchanges require building extensive technical infrastructure and handling user funds directly, offering tight control over UX and performance.
Decentralized exchanges execute trades on-chain through smart contracts, reducing liability but demanding solid contract engineering and blockchain limitations.
Legal compliance for centralized exchanges involves obtaining multiple licenses, while decentralized exchanges may avoid certain regulations by not holding funds or integrating fiat.
Centralized exchanges pose security risks due to custody of user funds, while decentralized exchanges shift responsibility to users and rely on AMMs or on-chain order books for liquidity.
CEXs cater to institutional clients and prioritize user support, while DEXs target DeFi users and emphasize global accessibility and censorship resistance.
CEXs operate as startups-as-banks, requiring licenses and capital, while DEXs function as startups-as-protocols, focusing on tokenomics and community building.
Choosing between CEX and DEX depends on risk appetite and long-term vision, with both routes offering profitability and global scalability but through different approaches.
Ultimately, the decision rests on whether you want to build a bank-like infrastructure with CEX or a protocol enabling permissionless trade with DEX, aligning with your mission and risk tolerance.