CEX
n. countablen. Stands for Centralized Exchange. A type of website or platform where you can buy, sell, and trade digital currencies. These platforms hold your money for you and manage the trades.
n. Abbreviation for Centralized Exchange. A digital asset trading platform that acts as an intermediary between buyers and sellers, maintaining custody of user funds and managing the order book.
Many people use a CEX to buy their first Bitcoin.
While a CEX offers high liquidity and user-friendly interfaces, users must trust the platform to secure their private keys.
Regulatory scrutiny has intensified for the major CEX operators, leading to stricter requirements for proof-of-reserves and enhanced anti-money laundering compliance protocols.
Abbreviation of centralized exchange, patterned on — and opposed to — DEX.
Etymology adapted from Wiktionary, available under CC BY-SA 4.0.
Last updated July 19, 2026