Centralized Exchange (CEX)
A centralized exchange is a company that operates a trading venue, holds customer assets in custody and matches buy and sell orders on its own systems.
In depth
You deposit funds, trade instantly on the exchange’s internal ledger and withdraw when you want to move assets on-chain. CEXs offer fiat on-ramps, customer support and high speed, in return for trusting the operator’s security and compliance. StableX is a centralized exchange that also runs an OTC desk.
Why it matters
It is the model StableX operates under — knowing its strengths and trust assumptions helps you use it well.