Unregistered Exchange

Definition ∞ An unregistered exchange is a platform for trading digital assets that operates without the necessary licenses or regulatory approvals from relevant authorities. Such exchanges may not adhere to investor protection, anti-money laundering, or cybersecurity requirements. They often pose higher risks to users.
Context ∞ News frequently highlights regulatory actions against unregistered exchanges, emphasizing the risks they present to consumers and market integrity. Operating without proper authorization can lead to penalties, asset freezes, and a lack of recourse for users in case of fraud or platform failure. Authorities worldwide are increasing efforts to identify and shut down these non-compliant entities.