Decentralized Exchange Technology

Architecture

Decentralized Exchange Technology fundamentally alters traditional market structures by removing central intermediaries, relying instead on distributed ledger technology to facilitate peer-to-peer transactions. This shift in architecture impacts order matching, settlement, and custody, introducing novel considerations for market microstructure and systemic risk. Smart contracts automate key exchange functions, reducing counterparty risk and operational overhead, while on-chain transparency enhances auditability. The resulting system presents unique challenges regarding scalability, latency, and the potential for front-running, necessitating innovative solutions like layer-2 protocols and advanced order types.