CEX Market

Definition ∞ A CEX market, or Centralized Exchange market, operates through a third-party intermediary that holds user funds and facilitates trades. Users deposit their digital assets onto the exchange, which then manages the order book and executes transactions. These platforms offer a user-friendly interface, high liquidity, and various trading pairs, making them accessible for many participants. They are typically subject to regulatory compliance requirements.
Context ∞ The CEX market remains a dominant venue for cryptocurrency trading, though it faces competition from decentralized alternatives. News often covers CEX market liquidity, trading volumes, security breaches, and evolving regulatory pressures. A key discussion point concerns the trade-off between the convenience and liquidity offered by CEXs versus the self-custody and transparency benefits of decentralized exchanges.