When the first cryptocurrency emerged on the world scene, it
requested for a global trading platform. To perform this function
cryptocurrency exchanges were quickly built. Today a few dozen
exchanges are operating with cryptocurrencies. Some of them are local,
while others are trading globally. Each exchange offers some specific
advantages to its members. Let’s have a closer look at a few leading
cryptocurrency exchanges operating globally.
Spain-based exchange with international team, Exmo is probably one of
the most convenient trading platforms. It supports any and all types of
transactions with cryptocurrency. About 250,000 clients from more than
100 countries are active users of this platform, which makes Exmo the
most universal and multipurpose platform in the market.
Multilingual user interface and high standards of service allow the
exchange traders to sell and buy conveniently and to store their
cryptocurrency and fiat money.
One of the most popular bitcoin exchanges in the world, BTC-e has
been in business ever since 2011. The exchange handles a high
percentage of total bitcoin transactions, and is No3 in BTC/USD
transactions globally. BTC-e Web host is located in Bulgaria, the
company is registered in Cyprus.
BTC-e is considered to be simple and easy to use. No personal data is
needed to create an account, only an email address. The fee on all
trades is fixed and one of the lowest in the industry.
Initially the site had English and Russian user interface but then
the Chinese language was added, after a burst of activity from Chinese
users. The BTC-e even has its chat room called “troll box”, available
in three languages.
In 2012 BTC-e was hacked. Hackers found a way to inject large amounts
of non-existing USD into the system and then quickly exchanged them
into bitcoins. When the fraud was discovered, all illegitimate
transactions were cancelled and affected traders received their money
back. According to official estimates the company lost about $400,000.
However, BTC-e survived the attack, it has been operating and
developing to the present day.
Security is one of the main criteria for people selecting a trading
platform. Bitfinex developers know it well, that’s why they try to make
their exchange the most secure, reliable and trusted cryptocurrency
exchange in the market.
Among the latest novelties are personal wallets with multi signature
– this project was developed in collaboration with Bitgo. This
technology allows its users to check their balance any time, using
blockchain. Many exchanges are still using a pool with a standard set
of keys and such wallets regularly become a target of cyber attacks.
The multi signature feature immediately propelled Bitfinex to the
ranking top of secure trading platforms in the global cryptocurrency
market.
Bitstamp, one of the most reputable cryptocurrency exchanges in the
world, has been operating since 2011. In terms of trading volume it is
one of the industry leaders. In 2014 Bitstamp became the world second
in the number of BTC/USD transactions. The company is Europe-based and
was founded as a European trading platform. The system allows EU
citizens to withdraw fiat money from European banks and to exchange
them into cryptocurrency.
When Bitstamp came to the financial market of the United Kingdom, it
applied for a license to become a regulated financial institution, but
local financial authorities refused to grant it. However, today
Bitstamp is the only EU bitcoin exchange with an official license
granted by the Luxembourg government and passportable into 28 EU
countries.
To prevent the use of cryptocurrency for mass frauds and money
laundering scams, Bitstamp now requests its clients to present the
copies of identification documents.
Founded in 2011 in Shanghai, this trading platform has been rapidly
developing ever since, being the first exchange of such type in China.
Today BTCChina is No 2 in the volume of financial transactions
globally.
In 2013 the National Bank of China filed lawsuit against BTCChina and
for some time the system stopped accepting Yuan as such transactions
were considered illegal. But after re-examination of the case the
exchange was allowed to proceed with their business.
Bter is one more China-based cryptocurrency exchange with a wide
variety of fiat to crypto and crypto to crypto exchange. Currently it
has been operating with 150 currency pairs.
Had a severe security breach early in 2015 but survived it and
gradually recovered.
Some withdrawals are free here, like withdrawing USD, and transaction
fees are about 0.2% on almost all markets. An interesting feature of
Bter is their investment program – they are ready to pay you interest
about 10-11%, and your deposit is fully withdrawable at any time. %
discount, a person who brought the client will get a 30% discount for
all trading transaction fees.
To bring in new clients, administration introduced a referral system.
A client who started trading using a reference link will get a 10
Poloniex trading platform allows its users to make transactions with
146 pairs cryptocurrencies. The platform interface is English and it is
very simple and easy to use. Fully zoomable charts covering all the
market history, stop-limit orders to reduce trading risk and
candlesticks from 5 minutes to 4 hours long.
To provide security Poloniex uses 2-factor authentication, entire
exchange is continuously monitored for unusual activities and clients’
main funds are kept in the cold storage.
