Finst: A Next-Generation Crypto Exchange Built for Fairness and Transparency

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Finst is emerging as a compelling player in the rapidly evolving cryptocurrency exchange landscape. Founded in 2022 and headquartered in the Netherlands, Finst was created by former core team members of DEGIRO, a well-known European trading platform. Registered with the Dutch Central Bank (DNB) as a cryptocurrency service provider, Finst aims to redefine digital asset trading by combining security, transparency, and ultra-low fees—positioning itself as a trustworthy gateway for both retail and institutional investors.

With increasing global scrutiny on crypto platforms, regulatory compliance has become a key differentiator. Finst’s registration under Dutch financial authorities not only enhances its credibility but also ensures adherence to strict anti-money laundering (AML) and know-your-customer (KYC) standards. This foundation of compliance, paired with a user-first philosophy, makes Finst a standout in the centralized exchange (CEX) and centralized finance (CeFi) sectors.

The Vision Behind Finst

Finst’s mission is clear: to create a level playing field for all crypto investors. In an industry often criticized for opaque fee structures and preferential treatment for high-volume traders, Finst counters with a promise of fairness. By offering what it claims to be the lowest fees in the Netherlands, the platform empowers everyday users to trade without being penalized for smaller transaction sizes.

Security is another cornerstone of Finst’s value proposition. The exchange employs bank-grade encryption, multi-signature wallets, and cold storage solutions to safeguard user assets. Furthermore, its team's background in traditional finance brings a disciplined approach to risk management—something that many crypto-native platforms are still striving to achieve.

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Finst Funding: Backed by Industry Leaders

In April 2023, Finst successfully closed its seed funding round, raising $4.4 million. While the post-money valuation remains undisclosed, the participation of Deribit, a leading cryptocurrency derivatives exchange, signals strong confidence in Finst’s long-term potential.

Deribit’s investment is more than just financial support—it represents a strategic alignment with a platform known for its robust infrastructure and deep understanding of trader needs. This backing enhances Finst’s ability to scale operations, expand its product offerings, and accelerate user acquisition across Europe.

The funding will be allocated toward:

This early-stage support from a respected name in the crypto space positions Finst well for future growth and potential Series A funding.

Meet the Founders: Experience Meets Innovation

Julien Vallet – Co-Founder & CEO

Julien Vallet brings extensive experience from his time at DEGIRO, where he played a pivotal role in scaling one of Europe’s most popular low-cost brokerage platforms. His expertise in fintech operations, regulatory strategy, and customer acquisition has been instrumental in shaping Finst’s vision.

Under Vallet’s leadership, Finst emphasizes simplicity, accessibility, and trust—values often missing in today’s fragmented crypto market.

Marcel Putina – Co-Founder & CTO/CPO

Marcel Putina leads both technology and product development at Finst. With a strong engineering background and deep knowledge of trading systems architecture, Putina ensures that the platform delivers high performance, low latency, and an intuitive user experience.

His dual role reflects Finst’s integrated approach to tech and design—where cutting-edge infrastructure meets user-centric innovation.

Together, Vallet and Putina represent a rare blend of traditional finance insight and crypto-native agility—a combination that could prove decisive in winning over skeptical investors.

Why Finst Stands Out in the CEX Landscape

While thousands of crypto exchanges operate worldwide, few offer the combination of regulatory compliance, low fees, and institutional-grade security that Finst provides. Here’s how it compares to typical CEX platforms:

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Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

Q: Is Finst available outside the Netherlands?
A: While headquartered in the Netherlands and compliant with Dutch regulations, Finst serves customers across multiple European countries. Availability may vary based on local regulatory requirements.

Q: What cryptocurrencies does Finst support?
A: Finst offers a curated selection of major cryptocurrencies such as Bitcoin (BTC), Ethereum (ETH), and select altcoins. The team prioritizes security and liquidity when adding new assets.

Q: How does Finst ensure the safety of user funds?
A: The exchange uses multi-layered security protocols including cold storage for 98% of assets, two-factor authentication (2FA), encrypted data transmission, and regular third-party audits.

Q: Does Finst offer margin or derivatives trading?
A: As of now, Finst focuses on spot trading to maintain simplicity and reduce risk for retail users. Futures or leveraged products may be introduced in later phases with proper risk controls.

Q: Can I link my bank account to Finst?
A: Yes. Thanks to SEPA integration, users can easily deposit and withdraw euros via bank transfer with minimal fees and fast processing times.

Q: How does Finst keep fees low compared to other exchanges?
A: By leveraging efficient operational models inherited from traditional finance and minimizing overhead, Finst passes savings directly to users—without compromising on security or service quality.

Looking Ahead: Growth and Expansion

Finst’s roadmap includes plans to introduce advanced order types, staking services, and expanded fiat on-ramps in 2025. The team is also exploring AI-driven market analytics tools to help users identify trends and manage portfolios more effectively.

As regulatory clarity improves across Europe—especially with MiCA (Markets in Crypto-Assets) regulation taking effect—Finst is well-positioned to scale responsibly while maintaining its commitment to transparency.

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By blending traditional financial discipline with modern blockchain innovation, Finst represents a new breed of crypto exchange—one built not just for traders, but for long-term trust. As the digital asset ecosystem matures, platforms like Finst may lead the way toward a more transparent, accessible, and secure future for global investing.