Permissionless Trading

Definition ∞ Permissionless trading allows any individual to exchange digital assets without requiring approval from a central authority. This type of trading is a core feature of decentralized exchanges and many DeFi protocols, where transactions are executed directly between users via smart contracts. Participants do not need to undergo Know Your Customer (KYC) checks or obtain special access to engage in buying or selling. It promotes open access to financial markets, removing barriers often present in traditional or centralized systems.
Context ∞ Discussions around permissionless trading often focus on its implications for financial inclusion, censorship resistance, and regulatory oversight. While offering significant freedom, it also presents challenges for combating illicit activities and consumer protection, drawing attention from global regulators. The ongoing debate concerns balancing the benefits of open access with the need for responsible market conduct and compliance.