A Conversation with Darkex COO Samet Eray Gündoğan

Initiating a cryptocurrency exchange by 2024 presents significant hurdles amidst the changing landscape of the sector and prevailing economic temperaments. On one flank, the crypto domain appears inundated with countless centralized exchanges (CEXes). Conversely, recovery from the economic downturn between 2020 and 2022 remains ongoing within blockchain ecosystems.

Nonetheless, the enthusiasts behind Darkex have chosen the third quarter of 2024 for their auspicious debut. During an exclusive dialogue with U.Today, Samet Eray Gündoğan, the Chief Operating Officer of the nascent exchange, divulged strategy insights, underlying drive and highlighted some distinctive attributes of Darkex.

U.Today: Welcome, Samet, and thank you for sharing this time with U.Today. Could you shed some light on your tech and crypto journey, and the inspiration behind launching this exchange?

Samet Eray Gündoğan: Greetings. My involvement with the cryptocurrency realm spans beyond nine years, including pivotal roles across various CEXs. My expertise anchors in technology and finance, with an early penchant for blockchain innovations. I have observed the crypto milieu’s evolution, identified limitations with scalability, security, and user experience within CEXs, and recognized unmet needs.

The inception of Darkex is driven by an aspiration to forge a cutting-edge platform epitomizing speed, security, and a user-centric philosophy. My goal is to establish a CEX that addresses the needs of both institutional entities and the common user—facilitating uncomplicated and safe digital asset trading. Aspires to position Darkex as a vanguard in broad global adoption.

U.Today: Could you decipher the essence of the name Darkex for us?

Samet Eray Gündoğan: The Darkex moniker embodies a bifold significance. “Dark” epitomizes the enigmatic origins of crypto and synonymous with the advanced privacy features embedded in our platform. Balancing operational transparency with user privacy is crucial within the crypto sphere. The “Dark” aspect signifies secure and discrete transactions, rendered as part of a transparent and compliant exchange ecosystem.

The “Ex” suffix indicates not only Exchange but also our commitment to excellence in execution, innovation, and user experience. Darkex synergizes secure and progressive crypto trading with a seamless interface, tailored to both retail and institutional participants. Crafted by and for those deeply engaged in the crypto universe.

U.Today: When do you anticipate the grand opening?

Samet Eray Gündoğan: The grand inauguration is slated for the third quarter of 2024. We are currently refining the platform’s last phase, rigorously evaluating and enhancing our system to ensure it is impregnable regarding security, scalability, and adherence to global compliance standards.

U.Today: What initiatives do you intend to roll out before the public release of Darkex?

Samet Eray Gündoğan: Leading into our grand opening, we will be deploying a suite of initiatives aimed at generating buzz and rewarding early adopters. Our referral program, for instance, allows users to garner USDT rewards through successful referrals and accumulated trading volumes.

We’re poised to introduce a leaderboard challenge, rewarding top traders with coveted prizes such as Apple gadgets and significant USDT rewards. Additionally, an exclusive airdrop will incentivize beta testers aiding our endeavor to fine-tune the platform.

Forthcoming are targeted content campaigns leveraging platforms like Twitter, Instagram, and crypto-focused forums such as Reddit and Telegram to cultivate a community of early enthusiasts.

U.Today: Share with us five significant drawbacks of modern CEXes.

Samet Eray Gündoğan: Frustratingly high transaction fees, subpar user interfaces, diminished user autonomy, protracted transaction durations, and an opacity of operational processes are some critical disadvantages.

U.Today: In what ways will Darkex distinguish itself? Which innovative features should capture the imagination of our readers?

Samet Eray Gündoğan: Darkex is poised to redefine industry norms, launching amid heightened demand for secure, efficient, and congenial trading platforms. We collaborate with major blockchain and crypto entities, reflecting our worldwide approach.

For instance, our alliance with ID verification authority Sumsub; integrating payment infrastructures of MoonPay and Alchemy Pay; and the expansion of global partnerships including ChainUP, prepares us for the widened scope of collaborations. Darkex prioritizes offering investment and custodial solutions tailored to institutional clients, while complying with the legal frameworks of operative markets.

Highlighted features include our high-velocity trading engine, ensuring real-time execution; a clear-cut fee structure; advanced privacy features; a focus on mobile-friendly experiences; and continuous customer support alongside educational resources to enhance crypto literacy.

At Darkex, the aim is to synergize user-friendliness with sophisticated functionalities, fostering a platform that is swift, secure, transparent, and universally accessible.

U.Today: Outline the key landmarks of Darkex’s 2024-2025 roadmap?

Samet Eray Gündoğan: Our roadmap for 2024-2025 is a blueprint for sustained evolution and perpetual ingenuity. Key undertakings include the platform’s public launch, community building through engaging campaigns, and the introduction of new trading features and API support for institutional clientele. Emphasis will also be on regulatory compliance, partnering with liquidity providers, and fostering a secure, versatile exchange that is responsive to the dynamic needs of the crypto market.

U.Today: How do you perceive the crypto industry’s trajectory in 2024?

Samet Eray Gündoğan: 2024 is anticipated as a pivotal year where the crypto sector may witness transformative shifts across retail and institutional levels. We expect institutional interest to escalate with innovations like spot Bitcoin and Ethereum ETFs, propelling liquidity and stability in the market. Regulatory clarity will likely embolden more institutional ventures into crypto.

Retail dynamics are also set to evolve, with the 2024 Bitcoin halving potentially catalyzing growth. DeFi and NFT segments are expected to further mature, with Layer 2 solutions enhancing transactional throughput and user experiences.

U.Today: What developments do you foresee in the realm of crypto ETFs?

Samet Eray Gündoğan: With regulatory advancements, we may envisage an influx of institutional capital and an expansion of ETFs beyond BTC and ETH to encompass altcoins representing leading DeFi, NFT, and metaverse projects.

U.Today: What aspirations do you harbor for the forthcoming crypto bull run?

Samet Eray Gündoğan: Our focus is on fostering a secure, intuitive ecosystem for traders. We aim to assist investors of all proficiencies with an array of tools, educational content, and dedicated support, ensuring a robust focus on security. Today, with a sizable international team, we look ahead to coalescing our teams in Dubai to administer our global offerings.

Elevating Darkex to a top global exchange, engaging over a million active users, attaining profound liquidity, and catering to institutional clients are among our goals for the next bull run. We aim to initiate Darkex Institutional Crypto Services and capitalize on the market’s bullish momentum to optimize engagement and innovation.