The world of Web3 is advancing at an unprecedented pace, bringing with it both groundbreaking innovation and growing risks. As cryptocurrency adoption surges globally, so too do the threats from hackers and scammers. In 2024, the crypto space celebrated major milestones—Bitcoin surpassing the $100,000 mark, a sustained bull market, and increasing institutional interest—including political momentum such as Trump’s proposal for a U.S. strategic Bitcoin reserve.
Yet, this progress was shadowed by alarming security breaches. According to Chainalysis, over $2.2 billion was lost to cyberattacks in 2024 alone—a 21% year-over-year increase. These incidents underscore a critical truth: while choosing the right digital asset is vital, selecting a secure and trustworthy crypto exchange is equally, if not more, important.
Forbes recently conducted one of the most comprehensive evaluations of global crypto exchanges, analyzing 200 platforms using a weighted scoring system based on key factors including BTC-ETH holdings, regulatory compliance, transparency, audit strength, and operational costs. From this research, they identified the top performers in security and reliability.
Below are the top 10 most trustworthy crypto exchanges, as ranked by Forbes—rankings that reflect not just market presence but real commitment to user safety and financial integrity.
10. Gemini
Gemini lands at number 10 on Forbes’ list with a weighted score of 5.5. Founded in 2015 by the Winklevoss twins, Gemini has built its reputation on security-first principles. It gained early recognition for introducing private key management and dual-password protection, giving users greater control over their funds.
While it scores an impressive 8 out of 10 for BTC-ETH holdings, indicating strong asset reserves, it lags in transparency with a modest score of 4. Despite past controversies around interest account suspensions, Gemini continues to emphasize compliance and institutional-grade infrastructure.
👉 Discover how leading exchanges protect your crypto investments.
9. Deribit
Ranking ninth is Deribit, a Dubai-based exchange specializing in offshore derivatives trading, particularly options contracts. With a weighted score of 5.5, Deribit serves traders looking to speculate on price movements using leveraged positions.
It holds a high 8 for BTC-ETH holdings, reflecting substantial backing of core cryptocurrencies. However, its audit strength scores only 2, raising concerns about independent verification and financial oversight. This gap highlights the risks associated with platforms focused on advanced trading without equally robust accountability measures.
Deribit remains popular among experienced traders but may not be ideal for those prioritizing full regulatory transparency.
8. Bitget
Bitget, established in 2018 and registered in Seychelles, ranks eighth with a weighted score of 5.5. Known as one of the largest copy trading platforms in the crypto space, Bitget offers users the ability to mirror trades from successful investors in real time.
It supports both spot and futures markets and has grown rapidly due to its user-friendly interface and social trading features. Like Deribit, Bitget scores 8 for BTC-ETH holdings, showing solid liquidity support.
However, it receives a concerning 0 for audit strength, signaling a lack of third-party financial validation—an important red flag for risk-averse investors.
7. Upbit
South Korea’s Upbit, founded in 2017 by Song Chi-hyung, secures the seventh spot with a weighted score of 6.0. As one of the largest domestic exchanges in South Korea, Upbit offers extensive trading pairs and deep market liquidity.
What sets Upbit apart is its exceptional transparency score of 10, the highest possible rating. Combined with an 8 for BTC-ETH holdings, this reflects strong operational openness and reserve verification practices. Regulatory compliance is also bolstered by local licensing requirements under South Korea’s strict financial laws.
Upbit exemplifies how regional exchanges can meet global standards in trust and accountability.
6. Bitbank
Japan-based Bitbank ranks sixth with a weighted score of 6.1. Established in 2016, this centralized exchange benefits from Japan’s rigorous regulatory environment, contributing to its high marks in both transparency (10) and audit strength (8).
These scores reflect Bitbank’s commitment to regular financial disclosures and independent audits—key components of investor confidence. While its global footprint is smaller compared to others on this list, its adherence to compliance makes it a trusted choice within Asia.
Its strong performance underscores Japan’s leadership in fostering secure and regulated digital asset ecosystems.
5. Robinhood
Robinhood earns fifth place with a weighted score of 6.6, notable for its perfect 10 in audit strength. Originally known for commission-free stock trading, Robinhood expanded into crypto and acquired Luxembourg-based Bitstamp in July 2022—a move aimed at enhancing its international reach and compliance framework.
Despite criticism for promoting meme coins like Dogecoin and newer tokens like “dogwifhat,” Robinhood maintains strong internal controls and financial auditing standards.
Its integration efforts post-acquisition are ongoing, but its U.S.-based operations and regulatory oversight position it as a reliable gateway for retail investors entering the crypto market.
4. Binance
Once dominant and still influential, Binance ranks fourth with a weighted score of 6.7. Founded in 2017 by Changpeng Zhao (CZ), Binance quickly became the world’s largest crypto exchange by volume.
Even after CZ stepped down in 2025 amid regulatory pressures, Binance retained strong fundamentals—especially its massive BTC-ETH holdings (score: 10). However, it received a zero for audit strength, highlighting persistent concerns over financial transparency despite improvements in other areas.
Binance remains widely used globally but serves as a reminder that scale does not always equate to full accountability.
3. Bitstamp
Established in 2011 and based in Luxembourg, Bitstamp is one of the oldest surviving crypto exchanges. It ranks third with a weighted score of 6.8, backed by perfect scores in both transparency (10) and audit strength (10).
Bitstamp supports trading between fiat currencies (USD, EUR, GBP) and major cryptocurrencies like Bitcoin, Ethereum, Litecoin, Ripple, and USD Coin. Its longevity and consistent compliance record make it a benchmark for operational stability.
As part of Robinhood’s strategic acquisition, Bitstamp continues to operate independently while reinforcing transatlantic regulatory alignment.
2. Coinbase
Coming in second is Coinbase, the only major publicly traded U.S.-based crypto exchange, with a stellar weighted score of 7.6. Trusted by millions, Coinbase serves over eight million active users and partners with BitGo for custodial storage—managing roughly $245 billion in assets.
It achieves top marks in multiple categories: 10 for BTC-ETH holdings, 10 for audit strength, and 8 for regulation. While criticized for higher fees, users often accept these costs for the perceived safety and regulatory clarity Coinbase provides.
Its transparent operations and consistent SEC compliance make it a preferred choice for institutional and retail investors alike.
1. CME Group
Topping Forbes’ list is the CME Group, headquartered in Chicago, with a weighted score of 7.7—the highest on the list. Though not a traditional retail crypto exchange, CME offers regulated futures contracts for Bitcoin and Ether, making it a cornerstone of institutional crypto investing.
With 10s in transparency and audit strength, plus strong regulatory oversight by the U.S. Commodity Futures Trading Commission (CFTC), CME provides unmatched legitimacy in volatile markets.
Retail investors can access these instruments through brokers like Fidelity, which offers Micro Bitcoin and Micro Ether futures with minimum contract values around $300—democratizing entry into professional-grade markets.
👉 Learn how institutional platforms are shaping the future of crypto trading.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
Q: What makes a crypto exchange trustworthy?
A: Key factors include regulatory compliance, transparency in reserves, third-party audits, security protocols, and financial stability—all evaluated by Forbes in their scoring model.
Q: Is audit strength more important than regulation?
A: Both are critical. Regulation ensures legal accountability; audit strength verifies actual financial health. Ideally, an exchange should excel in both.
Q: Why did Binance rank so high despite past issues?
A: Despite leadership changes and regulatory challenges, Binance scores high on liquidity (BTC-ETH holdings) and global reach. However, its lack of audit verification remains a concern.
Q: Can I trust exchanges outside the U.S.?
A: Yes—many non-U.S. exchanges like Upbit (South Korea) and Bitbank (Japan) operate under strict national regulations and score highly in transparency and security.
Q: Are futures exchanges like CME safe for beginners?
A: CME itself isn’t for direct retail use, but its products are accessible via regulated brokers. Beginners should understand leverage risks before trading futures.
Q: How often should I review my exchange’s trustworthiness?
A: At least annually—or whenever there’s news of hacks, leadership changes, or regulatory actions affecting your platform.
👉 Compare top-rated exchanges and find the safest platform for your crypto journey today.
As the digital asset landscape evolves, protecting your investments starts with choosing platforms that prioritize security, transparency, and regulatory compliance. Whether you're an individual investor or part of an institution, relying on data-driven rankings like Forbes’ helps reduce risk and build long-term confidence in your crypto strategy.
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