Introduction
Selecting the ideal cryptocurrency exchange depends on finding a platform that provides the services you require. It is not always the case that having more features is better, as many people tend to believe. Therefore, it is crucial to consider your specific needs and preferences before deciding on an exchange.
Zonda, an award-winning crypto exchange based in Poland, differs from other well-known exchanges by prioritizing efficiency, ease of use, and powerful features that aim to simplify the complexity of cryptocurrency for users.
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The platform's focus on delivering a straightforward and seamless experience sets it apart from its competitors, making it an attractive option for those seeking a hassle-free exchange.
It also puts a strong emphasis on transaction safety.
What is Zonda?
Established in 2014, Zonda is the longest-standing digital currency exchange & trading platform in Eastern and Central Europe.
It’s a fully regulated and centralized exchange with top security and AML procedures approved by the Financial Intelligence Unit (Estonia), Organismo Agenti e Mediatori, or OAM (Italy), as well as Financial Transactions and Reports Analysis Centre (Canada).
Zonda also has a strict security-first policy: it has implemented anti-money laundering (AML) and know-your-customer (KYC) procedures to prevent fraud and financing of terrorism, thereby ensuring the safety and security of all platform activities.
The platform has more than a million active users and 20+ transactions per minute, 380,000+ BTC annual volume, and 48,000,000+ USD daily volume, making it not only the longest-standing digital currency exchange but the largest exchange platform in Eastern and Central Europe as well.
Key features
- Safety-related features.
- Multi-currency exchange.
- Easy fiat deposits and withdrawals.
- Tools for both corporate and individual trading.
- Zonda Pay is the biggest crypto payment system in the region.
- Zonda Academy is a platform for education in crypto trading.
- Soon to launch a proprietary Zonda Token to facilitate trading and provide loyalty incentives.
Zonda Global: meet the team
Zonda was founded in Poland in 2014. Over time, the team expanded to 70 individuals, BB Trade Estonia OÜ took on the role of operating the exchange platform, and the company obtained a Finance Intelligence Unit (FIU) license.
The CEO of the project is Przemyslaw Kral. He has been a successful lawyer before getting his MBA at the International University of Monaco and embarking on the career of a crypto entrepreneur.
Stanislav Havryliuk is the COO of Zonda. He has a strong background in cryptocurrencies — his previous jobs include serving as a head of global support at bitcoin.com and consulting fmfw.io.
Jacob Lundqvist serves as the CTO of the team. He has been a founding partner of numerous startups in both Denmark and the USA over the years, including Bitcoin Suisse AG and The Licensing Project.
Zonda team has received numerous awards, such as the Blockchain Exchange of the Year at Invest Cuff, The Best Cryptocurrency Exchange at Berlin Summit, The Best Cryptocurrency Exchange at Cryptocurrency World Expo, etc.
Security and user safety
Zonda provides proprietary security solutions that enable clients to secure their accounts.
Funds safety
Funds are securely stored on "cold wallets" that are not directly connected to exchange servers, ensuring that they cannot be accessed by any unauthorized third parties.
Furthermore, all wallets are encrypted to enhance security, and fiat currencies are backed by a reputable bank, providing additional assurance of their safety.
Encryption
Zonda uses dedicated, encrypted servers with complete redundancy to ensure the safety of user data. All essential components, including databases, backups, wallets, and passwords, are thoroughly encrypted, guaranteeing maximum security for all users.
AML & KYC policy
ZondaPay has a comprehensive policy in place to prevent money laundering and terrorism financing. The policy includes several measures such as account verification, transfer title validation, and the use of a safety PIN code.
To pay in fiat currencies such as EUR, users must verify their account by submitting scanned copies of their ID and address confirmation documents. Verified users enjoy additional privileges that are not available to non-verified users.
All user data is stored securely on encrypted servers. Zonda Pay also requires users to set up a 4-digit safety PIN code during account registration, which is necessary to access their account information when contacting Zonda support. In case a user forgets their PIN code, they must provide a picture of themselves holding their verified ID document. If a user cannot remember their PIN code and their account is not verified, they must complete a full account verification process.
Zonda Pay reserves the right to block deposits or accounts if there is any suspicion of criminal activity. Furthermore, according to the Terms of Use, each company is only allowed to own one ZondaPay account.
Supported regions and fees
Zonda is not only the largest cryptocurrency exchange in Eastern and Central Europe, but it also operates globally with licenses in various countries, including Italy and Canada.
As previously mentioned, its extensive presence demonstrates its commitment to providing a secure and reliable platform for users worldwide.
Zonda operates like other cryptocurrency exchanges and applies fees for its services. While account creation does not require any subscription or upfront payment, fees will be charged when using certain features on the platform.
When trading BTC, ETH, or USDC, there are no maker fees, but a 0.1% fee applies for BTC or USDC trades. ETH trades do not incur any maker or taker fees.
Fees for trading pairs involving PLN, EUR, GBP, USD, and USDT depend on the user's 30-day trading volume. For instance, if a user has traded less than 1250 EUR in the past 30 days, they will pay a 0.43% taker fee and a 0.3% maker fee.
Fees for transactions, deposits, and withdrawals also vary depending on the currency. As these fees have several variations, it is recommended to consult the official fees page for up-to-date and relevant information.
Pros and Cons
Pros
- safety-first approach
- easiness of use
- award-winning
- ambition to grow worldwide
- its own token on the way
- extremely safe Zonda Pay system
- based in Europe, not in the US — a different set of regulations apply
Cons
- number of users significantly less than of biggest exchanges
- purposefully limited feature list
Summing up
Zonda is a great exchange for users from Eastern and Central Europe, for those who prioritize safeness, and for those who are taking their first steps in crypto. It purposefully lacks some of the complex features of its competitors to focus on a good user experience and safety, though.
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