2021 Top 10 Largest Cryptocurrency Exchanges in the World

·

As more investors turn their attention to Bitcoin and digital assets, the global cryptocurrency exchange landscape has expanded rapidly. From advanced trading platforms in Asia to regulated exchanges in North America and Europe, traders now have a wide range of options. This article ranks the top 10 largest cryptocurrency exchanges in 2021, based on key factors such as security, trading volume, regulatory compliance, user experience, and market reach.

Whether you're a beginner looking to buy your first Bitcoin or an experienced trader exploring futures markets, understanding which platforms lead the industry is essential.

How We Rank Cryptocurrency Exchanges

When evaluating the world’s leading crypto exchanges, we consider several critical metrics:

These benchmarks help separate truly reputable platforms from less reliable ones—especially important in a decentralized and fast-moving industry.

👉 Discover how top traders access high-liquidity markets with ease.

1: Binance – The Global Leader in Crypto Trading

Binance consistently ranks as the world’s largest cryptocurrency exchange by trading volume, regularly exceeding $300 billion in 24-hour volume. Founded in 2017, Binance quickly rose to dominance thanks to its low fees (0.1%), vast selection of over 280 tradable coins, and innovative product suite.

The platform supports spot trading, futures with up to 125x leverage, staking, savings products, and even a decentralized exchange (DEX). It also launched its own blockchain, the BNB Chain, further expanding its ecosystem.

In response to regulatory pressure in the U.S. and China in 2019–2020, Binance adapted by launching Binance.US, a fully compliant exchange for American users. Additionally, it now supports direct fiat deposits in multiple currencies—including TWD (New Taiwan Dollar)—allowing users in Taiwan to purchase BTC, ETH, and USDT via credit card or peer-to-peer (P2P) transactions.

Despite past scrutiny, Binance remains a top choice for traders worldwide due to its speed, reliability, and comprehensive tools.

2: Coinbase – The Regulated U.S. Giant

Coinbase stands out as one of the few U.S.-regulated cryptocurrency exchanges authorized to operate under federal oversight. Established in 2012 in San Francisco, it serves over 30 million users across 76 countries and has facilitated more than $150 billion in crypto trades.

More than just a trading platform, Coinbase offers a secure digital wallet, institutional-grade custody services, and educational content through Coinbase Earn. Its clean interface makes it ideal for beginners.

While it supports fewer cryptocurrencies (around 6 major coins at the time of this ranking), its commitment to compliance has made it a trusted gateway for mainstream adoption. Notably, Coinbase does not currently support users from Taiwan or most Southeast Asian regions, limiting accessibility for some international investors.

Still, its transparency, audit trails, and public valuation (reportedly $8 billion in 2018) solidify its status as a crypto unicorn.

3: Huobi – A Major Player with Global Reach

Huobi Group, founded in 2013 in China, is one of the oldest and most established players in the crypto space. After relocating operations due to tightening regulations, Huobi acquired Tongcheng Holdings (01611.HK), becoming a publicly listed company on the Hong Kong Stock Exchange.

It holds licenses in Japan, South Korea, and the U.S., demonstrating strong regulatory alignment. Huobi supports fiat deposits (including CNY), spot trading, and futures with up to 125x leverage, making it a go-to platform for Chinese-speaking users.

With deep liquidity and extensive market coverage—accounting for nearly 80% of China’s domestic crypto traffic—Huobi continues to be a dominant force. Its involvement in海南's digital asset pilot zone and appearances on CCTV highlight its alignment with state-backed blockchain initiatives.

4: BitMEX – Pioneer of Bitcoin Derivatives

BitMEX revolutionized crypto trading by introducing high-leverage Bitcoin futures contracts with up to 100x leverage. At its peak, it recorded over $16 billion in daily volume—surpassing even traditional financial institutions like CME.

One unique feature is its maker fee rebate system: users who place limit orders receive rebates instead of paying fees, incentivizing market-making activity and improving order book depth.

However, BitMEX only accepts Bitcoin deposits (no fiat), and it restricts access from certain jurisdictions—including the U.S., Canada (Quebec), Hong Kong, Bermuda, and Seychelles—due to compliance concerns.

👉 Learn how professional traders use leveraged contracts to maximize returns.

5: Bitstamp – Europe’s Trusted Crypto Gateway

Established in 2011, Bitstamp is one of Europe’s oldest and most respected exchanges. Based in Luxembourg, it once ranked second globally by market capitalization and remains the largest euro-denominated Bitcoin exchange.

It offers straightforward trading in BTC, ETH, XRP, and other major coins against EUR, USD, and GBP. Though it supports fewer altcoins compared to Binance or Huobi, its focus on security and regulatory adherence appeals to conservative investors.

Interestingly, Bitstamp’s price data is used by major financial platforms like Bloomberg and Reuters for benchmarking purposes.

6: Bitflyer – Japan’s Leading Exchange

Founded in 2014, Bitflyer dominates Japan’s tightly regulated crypto market. It operates under a license from Japan’s Financial Services Agency (FSA), ensuring strict compliance with anti-money laundering (AML) and know-your-customer (KYC) rules.

Backed by major financial institutions like Mitsubishi UFJ and Sumitomo Mitsui Banking Corporation, Bitflyer emphasizes safety and transparency. It supports multiple trading pairs and offers mobile apps tailored for local users.

Japan currently licenses around 20 official crypto exchanges—all required to meet rigorous standards—making Bitflyer a model of regulated innovation.

7: Bitfinex – Controversial but Influential

Based in Hong Kong, Bitfinex once handled 30% of global Bitcoin trading volume. It shares ownership with Tether Limited, the issuer of USDT—the most widely used stablecoin in crypto markets.

Despite its influence, Bitfinex has faced criticism over security lapses, including multiple hacking incidents resulting in significant BTC losses. It also imposes high barriers: minimum deposits start at $10,000, and it doesn’t support RMB funding.

These factors make it less accessible—and riskier—for average users.

8: Kraken – Security-Focused Industry Veteran

Launched in 2011 from San Francisco, Kraken is renowned for its security-first approach. It was the first exchange to integrate with Bloomberg Terminal and undergo verified proof-of-reserves audits.

Supporting over 40 cryptocurrencies and multiple fiat currencies (USD, EUR, CAD, GBP, JPY), Kraken caters well to both retail and institutional clients. It's also partnered with banks to explore regulated crypto custody solutions.

Independent media frequently rank Kraken among the safest and most transparent exchanges globally.

9: OKX – Advanced Trading with Institutional Tools

OKX (formerly OKEx) is known for its robust derivatives offerings, including options, perpetual swaps with up to 100x leverage, and copy-trading features. While it faced controversy during a temporary halt in withdrawals in 2019, it has since strengthened transparency and risk management.

Now rebranded under OKG Technology Group (“Ouke Cloud Chain”), OKX continues expanding globally while engaging with regulatory sandboxes in places like Hainan—a signal of growing legitimacy.

Its support for TWD deposits via P2P makes it accessible to users in Taiwan.

👉 Access advanced trading tools used by thousands of active traders worldwide.

10: LocalBitcoins – The Original P2P Marketplace

LocalBitcoins pioneered peer-to-peer Bitcoin trading, allowing users to buy/sell BTC directly using cash or bank transfers. With users across 248 countries and over 15,200 cities, it promotes privacy and decentralization.

Though it charges a 0.2% fee and lacks advanced trading features, its simplicity and global reach make it ideal for unbanked populations or those avoiding centralized exchanges.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

Q: Which cryptocurrency exchange is best for beginners?
A: For new users, Coinbase offers the most intuitive interface and strong customer support. Binance also provides educational resources through Binance Academy.

Q: Are these exchanges safe?
A: Platforms like Kraken, Coinbase, and Binance have strong security measures including two-factor authentication (2FA), cold storage of funds, and regular audits. However, always enable additional protections like whitelisting addresses.

Q: Can I buy Bitcoin with New Taiwan Dollar (TWD)?
A: Yes—Binance, Huobi, and OKX all support TWD via P2P or direct bank transfers.

Q: What’s the difference between spot and futures trading?
A: Spot trading involves buying actual crypto assets today at current prices; futures allow you to bet on future price movements using leverage—offering higher risk/reward potential.

Q: Why do some exchanges offer 100x leverage?
A: High leverage amplifies gains (and losses). It's popular among experienced traders but not recommended for beginners due to liquidation risks.

Q: Do I need to verify my identity on all exchanges?
A: Most regulated platforms require KYC verification for fiat deposits or large withdrawals. Some P2P platforms allow limited anonymous usage.

Core Keywords:

cryptocurrency exchange, Bitcoin trading, Binance, Coinbase, Huobi, OKX, trading volume, crypto security