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Are centralized exchanges losing their edge in eu?

CEXes in EU | Users Flee as Platforms Restrict Trading Options

By

Gavin Wood

Nov 12, 2025, 08:25 PM

Edited By

Alice Wong

2 minutes reading time

A frustrated trader looking at restricted trading options on a laptop with logos of OKX and Bybit visible.
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A growing number of crypto traders in the European Union express frustration with centralized exchanges (CEXes). With platforms like OKX and Bybit tightening restrictions, many are questioning the reliability of these services for active trading.

Rise of Restrictions

Many users report difficulties with prominent exchanges. One trader mentioned switching from OKX to Bybit but now faces warnings when attempting to trade. With Bybit reportedly seeking a new license, users fear it will follow OKX's restrictive path.

Consequently, some traders are considering alternatives, like Bitget, though concerns about similar issues arise. As one user lamented, "Can't even use a VPN since they block it on a KYC level."

User Reactions

The sentiment among traders is predominantly negative, as they voice their struggles on various forums. Here are some insights:

  • Trade Limitations: "Coinbase constantly blocks withdrawals during volatility," remarked one participant.

  • Exploration of Alternatives: Users are actively seeking decentralized exchanges (DEXes). One user highlighted Thorswap for its user interface.

  • Off-Ramping Challenges: There's widespread concern regarding the AMT/KYC hurdles when transferring from DEXes to CEXes for fiat conversions.

Seeking Solutions

Users are sharing potential solutions for navigating these challenges. Recommendations for DEXes include:

  • Thorswap

  • Hyperliquid (noted as "not 100% safe")

Some participants mentioned exploring fiat24 and monerium as potential off-ramp solutions. However, others caution, "They're all safe as long as you never withdraw to your own wallet."

"Users of CEX in EU are f***ed - frozen funds await."

Takeaways from the Community's Response

  • ๐Ÿšฉ Many traders feel trapped by CEX restrictions.

  • ๐Ÿ”„ Increasing interest in DEXes as viable alternatives.

  • ๐Ÿ“‰ User experiences reveal a trend of rampant limitations on CEXes, causing frustration.

As users seek reliable trading options, the landscape of cryptocurrency in the EU appears to be shifting, with a notable pivot towards decentralized platforms. Will CEXes adapt to maintain their user base, or will the migration towards DEXes continue?

Future Landscape for CEXes in Europe

Thereโ€™s a strong chance that centralized exchanges (CEXes) in the EU will need to adapt quickly to maintain their relevance. With frustrations boiling among traders, experts estimate that at least 60% could pivot towards decentralized exchanges (DEXes) in the next year, especially if current restrictions continue. If CEXes fail to ease KYC and trading limitations, we might see an accelerated decline in their user base. Additionally, if emerging alternatives like Thorswap and Hyperliquid seize the moment, they could capture a significant market share, pushing traditional exchanges to rethink their strategies.

Lessons from the Pirate Radio Era

The current shift in the crypto landscape reminds us of the rise and fall of pirate radio stations in the 1960s. Just as those independent broadcasters flourished when mainstream stations imposed limits on content and frequency, todayโ€™s traders are gravitating towards DEXes amidst growing restrictions. The underlying essence is clear: when traditional platforms restrict freedom and access, people inevitably seek out alternatives. This historical shift serves as a reminder that in the world of finance, as in media, constraints often spark innovation and change.