## What Is IDEX? [IDEX](https://coinmarketcap.com/currencies/idex/) positions itself as the first hybrid liquidity [DEX](https://coinmarketcap.com/alexandria/glossary/decentralized-exchange-dex), combining an [order book](https://coinmarketcap.com/alexandria/glossary/order-book) model with an [automated market maker](https://coinmarketcap.com/alexandria/glossary/automated-market-maker-amm). That gives the exchange the features of a traditional order book while leveraging the liquidity and security of an AMM. It also uses an on-chain trade settlement and an off-chain trading engine. Therefore, there are less failed trades and money wasted on gas fees. IDEX aims to provide users with a more pleasant and efficient trading experience. Moreover, the instant execution on the exchange prevents [front running](https://coinmarketcap.com/alexandria/glossary/front-running) and sandwich attacks. Users trade without the delay of previous trade settlements, which opens up the possibility of more advanced order types and trading strategies. [Limit orders](https://coinmarketcap.com/alexandria/glossary/limit-order) and [arbitrage](https://coinmarketcap.com/alexandria/glossary/arbitrage) opportunities with other exchanges are also open to customers. Liquidity on the exchange comes from the automated market maker, which displays virtual limit orders in the order book, same as the actual limit orders to visualize liquidity. The exchange uses [smart contracts](https://coinmarketcap.com/alexandria/glossary/smart-contract) to decentralize fund custody and trade settlement. The smart contract triggers trade execution off-chain but settles the trades on-chain, thereby enabling the order book model. It also acts as an escrow and restricts fund movement until the settlement is finished. Sequential trading and a special function in the smart contract ensures that funds cannot be restricted indefinitely. Moreover, the smart contract enforces ownership and authorization, meaning users maintain custody and can make markets without additional infrastructure. ## Who Are the IDEX Founders? Alex and Phil Wearn are the founders of IDEX. The brothers previously worked for major companies like Amazon, IBM, and Adobe. In total, the IDEX team is over 30 people strong. ## When Did IDEX Launch? The exchange launched in 2017, with a 2.0 version going live in the fall of 2020 after IDEX closed a $2.5 million seed round investment. ## Where Is IDEX Located? According to LinkedIn, the exchange is based in Panama. ## IDEX Restricted Countries IDEX complies with sanctions regulations and anti-money laundering policies. No use is allowed for customers from Iran, North Korea, Cuba, Syria, Crimea, New York State, and Washington State. Furthermore, the exchange requires users to complete a [KYC](https://coinmarketcap.com/alexandria/glossary/kyc) process. ## IDEX Supported Coins List The exchange supports futures trading of all the major cryptocurrencies and [ERC-20](https://coinmarketcap.com/alexandria/glossary/erc-20) tokens. ## How Much Are IDEX Fees? The exchange levies a 0.25% fee on takers. 0.2% is sent to liquidity providers, and 0.05% is collected as protocol fees. At the time of writing, there is no maker fee on this exchange. ## Is It Possible To Use Leverage or Margin Trade on IDEX? The exchange is currently working on enabling [leverage](https://coinmarketcap.com/alexandria/glossary/leverage) trading in the future.