What is CEX (centralised exchange)?
A company-operated crypto exchange — you deposit funds, they custody them, an order book matches trades. Every AUSTRAC-registered Australian platform is a CEX.
A CEX — centralised exchange — is the familiar model: a company operates the platform, holds custody of deposits, runs the order book, and stands between you and the blockchain. Every AUSTRAC-registered Australian platform is a CEX, and for most people they're the right on-ramp: AUD deposits, support desks, recoverable passwords, and — increasingly under Australia's licensing regime — real regulatory obligations.
The structural trade-off is custody: your balance is a claim on the company, so its solvency and honesty are part of your risk. That's why our reviews weigh security history and transparency alongside fees, and why the exchange graveyard exists as the cautionary record. The alternative model is the DEX — different trade-offs, not strictly better ones.
See it in practice
Related terms: DEX (decentralised exchange) · Custodial · KYC · full glossary
FAQ
Is my money safe on an Australian exchange?
Safer than on unregulated offshore venues, but crypto balances carry no government guarantee like bank deposits. Registration and licensing reduce risk; they don't eliminate counterparty risk — which is why large long-term holdings often graduate to self-custody.
Why do CEXs dominate over DEXs in Australia?
AUD on-ramps, familiar interfaces, support, and regulatory clarity. DEXs can't take a bank transfer — for converting dollars to crypto, a registered CEX is effectively the only lawful path.
General information only, not financial advice. Definitions are maintained in our fact database and reviewed with the daily rebuild.