The collapse of numerous major crypto ecosystems in 2022 revealed the urgent need for revamping the way crypto exchanges operate. Ethereum (ETH) co-founder Vitalik Buterin believed in exploring beyond “fiat” methods to ensure the stability of crypto exchanges, including technologies such as Zero-Knowledge Succinct Non-Interactive Argument of Knowledge (ZK-SNARKs). 

Following a discussion with angel investor Balaji Srinivasan and crypto exchanges such as Coinbase, Kraken and Binance, Buterin recommended options for the creation of cryptographic proofs of on-chain funds that can cover investor liabilities when required, a.k.a, safe centralized exchanges (CEX).

The best case scenario, in this instance, would be a system that does not allow crypto exchanges to withdraw a depositor’s funds without consent.

Fellow crypto entrepreneur CZ, who has been vocal about Binance’s intent for complete transparency, acknowledged the importance of Buterin’s recommendations, stating that:

“Vitalik's new ideas. Working on this.”

(By ARIJIT SARKAR)