#CEXvsDEX101 🏦 CEX (Centralized Exchange)
Examples: Binance, Coinbase, Kraken
How it Works:
Operated by a centralized company.
Requires user registration and identity verification (KYC).
User funds are held in the exchange's custody.
Pros:
✅ High liquidity
✅ Fast transactions
✅ Easy to use for beginners
✅ Fiat on-ramps (buy with USD, etc.)
Cons:
❌ Less privacy
❌ Potential risk of hacks
❌ Not fully controlled by the user
Coin Pair Example: BTC/USDT on Binance – Fast execution and deep liquidity.
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🔄 Dex (Decentralized Exchange)
Examples: Uniswap, Pancake swap, SushiSwap
How it Works:
Peer-to-peer trading on blockchain via smart contracts.
No central authority or KYC required.
User holds their own private keys and funds.
Pros:
✅ More privacy and control
✅ Permissionless access
✅ Often lower fees
Cons:
❌ Lower liquidity
❌ Slower transactions
❌ Risk of impermanent loss and rug pulls
Coin Pair Example: $PEPE / $ETH on Uniswap – Direct wallet-to-wallet trade using smart contracts.