CEX DEX Comparison

Architecture

Centralized exchanges (CEXs) and decentralized exchanges (DEXs) represent fundamentally different architectures for facilitating cryptocurrency transactions, impacting order execution and custody. CEXs employ an order book model managed by a central entity, offering liquidity and speed through matched orders, while DEXs utilize automated market makers (AMMs) or on-chain order books, removing intermediaries. This architectural divergence dictates varying levels of control, transparency, and counterparty risk, influencing the overall market structure for digital assets and derivatives. The choice between these architectures often depends on a trader’s risk tolerance and preference for control versus convenience.