Definition ∞ A Spot Decentralized Exchange, or Spot DEX, is a peer-to-peer trading platform built on a blockchain that facilitates the immediate exchange of digital assets at their current market price. Unlike centralized exchanges, users retain custody of their funds throughout the trading process, interacting directly with smart contracts. These platforms typically do not support margin or derivatives trading. It enables direct, self-custodial digital asset trading.
Context ∞ Spot decentralized exchanges are fundamental components of the decentralized finance (DeFi) ecosystem, offering censorship-resistant and permissionless trading of cryptocurrencies. News reports frequently cover the growth of various Spot DEX platforms, their liquidity pools, and innovations in automated market maker designs. Regulatory bodies are increasingly scrutinizing these platforms concerning anti-money laundering and know-your-customer compliance, posing ongoing challenges for their operational frameworks and user access.