Changpeng Zhao Backs Encrypted Perp DEX Model Amid Rising Market Manipulation Fears

• CZ wants a private DEX that hides trades to protect users from front-running and forced liquidations.
• Public trade data on DEXs creates risk and CZ says dark pools can help large traders stay secure.
• James Wynn lost 100 million and his loss sparked fresh calls for privacy in crypto futures trading.

Binance founder Changpeng Zhao has called for the creation of a dark pool decentralized exchange (DEX) for crypto futures. The call came shortly after trader James Wynn faced liquidations worth $100 million on leveraged Bitcoin positions.

Proposal for Privacy in Perpetual Futures

Zhao proposed a DEX that conceals trades, positions, and deposits from public view. He said this would protect users from front-running and targeted liquidations. In existing DEXs, orders and liquidation points remain visible, creating risks for high-volume traders.

He pointed out that visible order books allow malicious actors to trigger liquidations. This leads to increased slippage, higher trading costs, and potential losses. The visibility of real-time trading also exposes users to MEV attacks, where bots exploit transaction timing.

Drawbacks of Current DEX Models

Zhao highlighted two major issues with traditional DEXs. First, open order books create front-running opportunities. Second, liquidation data can trigger manipulative trading behavior. These issues, he noted, deter large investors from using decentralized platforms.

In response, Zhao recommended a dark pool model, often used in traditional finance. These private venues limit information exposure, reducing market manipulation and slippage. He suggested that DEXs follow a similar approach for futures trading.

Vision for a Privacy-Centric Platform

Zhao outlined key features of a dark pool DEX. The model would hide order books and delay transaction visibility. It would also use advanced cryptographic tools like zero-knowledge proofs for transaction privacy. This would secure trade details until settlement.

The proposed system would address core transparency concerns in DeFi without compromising security. It would create a safer environment for large-scale traders, especially during volatile market conditions. Developers on Solana have already started experimenting with similar private DEX structures.

Wynn’s Liquidation Raises Concerns

The push for a private DEX follows Wynn’s $100 million loss from high-leverage trades. He claimed that his experience exposed systemic flaws within the crypto trading space. His remarks drew attention to the role of internal market-making desks on centralized exchanges.

These desks often act as counterparties to user trades. Their access to user data raises concerns about fairness and transparency, especially in volatile conditions. Many believe this episode has renewed calls for more secure and decentralized trading alternatives.

Private DEXs Gain Momentum

Recent data shows a growing trend of private trades in Solana’s DeFi ecosystem. A majority of Jupiter-routed transactions now occur through private DEXs. This shift signals increasing demand for platforms that prioritize transaction privacy and reduce exploitation risks.

Zhao’s proposal adds urgency to the need for a dark pool DEX. It marks a significant step toward protecting traders in the decentralized futures market.