DFCEX — winner in the "Top Exchange July" category

Today’s crypto market has many players, but few who combine technology with deep legal expertise and a systematic approach to building infrastructure.

 

In this interview, Oleh, the founder of the DFCEX exchange, shares his vision for evolving the service: from an exchange to a multifunctional platform with payment solutions, on-ramp, and B2B offerings.

 

We also discuss automation, client maturity, building market trust, and why honesty and transparency remain core values when working with partners and the team.

 

— Hi! To start, tell us a bit about yourself. What’s your name, which exchange do you represent, and how long have you been in crypto?

My name is Oleh. I represent the exchange dfcex.com. I’ve been in crypto for about 10 years.

 

— What recent news or changes at DFCEX do you consider truly important? What have you implemented or launched?

Last year, our organization obtained a PSAV license in Argentina. We have now prepared everything needed to obtain a new CASP license in the EU.

We are also starting to provide B2B services for legal entities, other exchanges, etc. — fiat-crypto-fiat in non-cash form at 0.5%.

Our crypto-processing solution is in its final development stage — and that’s far from all.

 

— When choosing a technical solution for an exchange, what matters more: universality or flexibility for your processes? How did you choose the script?

Flexibility comes first. Although now we already provide part of the technical stack ourselves. Our priority is a domestic provider, not options “from other countries”...

That’s why we use Boxexchanger. The same applies to our customer support chat — helpcrunch.com.

 

— DFCEX is moving toward a payment system: why this format? What triggered this stage?

DEFICO is more than an exchange. We provide services for setting up legal entities, obtaining licenses, AML outsourcing, staff certification, and building holding structures.

We also process payments via local methods (including on-ramp) in countries like Argentina, Brazil, and others.

We deliver a full cycle — from planning and build-out to ongoing support of infrastructure tailored to specific requests.

Lately we’ve received many requests specifically for payment systems — so we’re partially moving in that direction as well.

 

— Which countries or regions are your priority now? Why these?

Europe, Latin America, Australia, China. Demand dictates these locations.

 

— What matters most to you in building a strong team, especially in crypto where things change fast?

Responsibility, strong self-management, dedication, and genuine passion for what you do. Do what you love — and the quality of work will be high.

 

— How do you keep an international team in sync so everything runs smoothly despite time zones and cultural differences?

Respect for people, comfortable working conditions, and of course financial motivation.

 

— You have a huge legal background. Which client cases or requests were the most unconventional?

Building a payment-acceptance infrastructure at the official exchange rate in Bolivia.

Building an international holding company with a trust in the islands managing the head company in Switzerland, which in turn has subsidiaries in Uruguay, Singapore, Hong Kong, Canada, the United Kingdom, Estonia, the UAE, and several other countries.
 All entities were created from scratch — including licenses, setting up financial flows, tax optimization, and technical implementation.

 

— What do you consider the most dangerous mistake among those trying to legalize but lacking experience?

The biggest problem is the regulatory environment. For example, the EU has MiCA, but instead of supporting the sector we often see only control and taxation.

Many open companies and obtain licenses — and then can’t open a bank account.

As a result, 75% of such firms either shut down or get sold. Without changes in governmental approaches, 80% of business will remain in the shadows.

 

— How do you assess current Ukrainian government initiatives on crypto regulation? Is there movement in the right direction?

I don’t see any movement in Ukraine. Years go by — and crypto activity still lacks even an official status.

 

— You actively interact with other exchanges. Which collaboration experience was the most valuable or inspiring?

Most inspiring is that in the exchanger community (including your chat), operators value their reputation.

Yes, there are exceptions, but most follow the principle: “said — done.” That’s the main foundation of a healthy market.

 

— What does our exchanger community lack the most today, in your opinion?

Automation! Not writing in chats 20 times a day, but creating software where exchangers immediately see available routes, current rates, and capabilities in real time.

And then integrate such a product into scripts.

 

— How do you feel about joint products or services between exchangers? For example, a shared AML database, traffic-exchange platform, support desk?

Only positive.

 

— What do you observe among clients: more maturity and awareness, or rather “as fast as possible, no questions asked”?

Maturity is about very large clients. For everyone else — often indeed just “as fast as possible, no questions asked.”

 

— Have you ever had to “educate” a client? How do you react when business logic conflicts with ethics or security?

Many times. But we have the resources — we explain how to act within the law, because that’s exactly what we do.

We’re used to it — we see it as normal for the market. And you have to work with the market to guide it in the right direction.

 

— What matters most to you in long-term relationships with clients?

Long-term relationships. (smiles)

 

— How do you see the development of the Kursoff platform: what should appear or change for it to become truly useful to every market player?

It’s already very useful.

Community is key for companies operating in the same market. We are convinced: we’re not competitors, but colleagues.

Communication and mutual support are the only path to a healthy market where everyone earns and everyone is satisfied. Without dumping, undercutting, or toxicity.

 

— Do you have an internal “success marker”? What moment would be your point of: “yes, we did something truly big”?

Being honest with yourself and others. Respecting partners and colleagues. And strictly sanctioning those who break these rules.

As for “big” — for example, we’ve applied for a patent. If we get it, it will feel like we truly achieved something significant.

But there will never be a final “point” in my life. I enjoy the work — I can’t just rest. Maybe three months… a year at most. But I know: work will pull me back in.

 

— How do you personally approach risk in business? Is there a rule you will never break, even in the hottest situation?

Risk is normal. Higher risk — higher profit. Lower risk — lower profit. Classic economics.

And the main rule is always to listen only to yourself and your inner voice. Never to someone else’s opinion.

 

— What would you say to someone launching their first exchanger tomorrow? 

It won’t be easy — but it will be interesting.

 

— Thanks for the insightful interview. What would you wish our readers and market colleagues?

Success and peace!