CEX Vs DEX Models

Architecture

The fundamental structure of Centralized Exchange (CEX) models necessitates a trusted intermediary to manage order books and asset custody, mirroring established financial infrastructure. Decentralized Exchanges (DEX) fundamentally diverge by utilizing onchain smart contracts for non-custodial settlement and atomic swaps, shifting the trust paradigm for derivatives. This structural contrast dictates inherent differences in transaction latency, counterparty risk exposure, and the scope of regulatory oversight. Strategic deployment of capital must account for the efficiency trade-offs between these two operational frameworks.