The trading platform Arkham Exchange is not shutting down its operations but will instead evolve into a fully decentralized exchange (DEX) model. According to CEO Miguel Morel, this strategic decision responds directly to the surging onchain derivatives volume, which has fundamentally reshaped user preferences toward self-custody and transparency within the digital asset landscape.
This strategic transition aims to correct the structural flaws of centralized systems, which Morel has described as “unresponsive” and bloated legacy infrastructures. By migrating toward a DEX environment, the firm intends to capture a larger market share, aligning itself with the global peer-to-peer trading trend that has dominated the financial sector throughout the current year.
Technical metamorphosis toward total decentralization
The architectural shift occurs at a time when the onchain derivatives volume has tripled in size, reaching an impressive 12 trillion dollars over the past year. Arkham, which previously operated under a centralized order book system, will focus its efforts on providing perpetual contracts under a robust infrastructure that strictly guarantees users maintain full control over their private keys.
On the other hand, the platform recently reported average daily transactions near $640,000, a modest figure compared to the industry’s largest incumbents. However, Morel argues that the agility of a decentralized platform will allow for significantly lower operating costs and faster execution, effectively eliminating the typical frictions found in traditional models that have become obsolete due to rapid innovation.
How will this transition affect the current users of the trading platform?
Despite previous rumors regarding a possible cessation of activities, the company has confirmed it will maintain services throughout the technical migration process. The primary goal is to provide a seamless and secure user experience, where interoperability with the Arkham Intelligence analytics tool remains the cornerstone for investors operating on this blockchain-driven environment.
Furthermore, the rise of decentralized exchanges suggests that the market increasingly values censorship resistance and constant availability above all else. It is expected that the new exchange version will allow for more dynamic and transparent asset listings, attracting a user base that prioritizes financial sovereignty over the traditional centralized interfaces that currently dominate the broader crypto market.
Looking ahead, the company expects this evolution to strengthen the derivatives ecosystem by allowing for deeper integration with self-custody wallet solutions. The industry is watching closely to see if this strategic pivot will succeed in boosting the platform’s onchain derivatives volume, positioning Arkham as a leading benchmark for the decentralized economy in the long term.
