Solana News Today: DEX Volume Plummets as CEXs Merge Features and Regulations Shift

Decentralized exchange (DEX) trading volume on-chain fell 21.6% week-over-week to $952.29 billion, according to recent data, despite a record $613.3 billion in October activity. The decline follows a surge in competition among centralized exchanges (CEXs) integrating DEX functionalities and evolving regulatory landscapes, particularly in the U.S.

Global crypto exchange OKX launched in-wallet DEX trading on its app, supporting Base, Solana, and its incubated X Layer blockchain. The feature, now available in the U.S., aims to unify centralized and decentralized trading under one interface, allowing users to manage portfolios across 100+ liquidity pools. This move mirrors similar strategies by Coinbase and Binance, which have also integrated DEX capabilities into their platforms. OKX emphasized that users retain self-custody of assets while benefiting from automated liquidity routing, though it cautioned about limited buy-side depth for newer tokens.

Dromos Labs announced a major overhaul with the launch of a unified trading system, merging its platforms across multiple chains. The update aims to position Aero as a central liquidity hub, with expansion to Ethereum mainnet and Circle's Arc planned for 2026. Meanwhile, Solana-based DEX volume recently surpassed $5 billion daily, outpacing Ethereum and BNB Chain, though the network faces challenges from scheduled token unlocks tied to the Alameda Research/FTX bankruptcy estate.

The first U.S. spot XRP ETF, generated $46 million in trading volume within its first 24 hours, despite an 8% price drop from its intraday high. Analysts attribute the ETF's strong start to pro-crypto regulatory shifts under President Donald Trump and growing institutional demand. Similarly, Solana ETFs have seen $350 million in net inflows over 11 consecutive days, though upward price momentum remains constrained by monthly Alameda unlocks injecting ~$30 million in SOL supply.

BNB slipped below $960 amid a forming head-and-shoulders pattern, signaling potential further declines. Analysts noted increased sell-order activity and liquidity pockets below $950, with key support levels at $900 under scrutiny. This comes as BNB Chain partners like expand DeFi access, including the launch of a yield-bearing tokenized XRP product enabling stakers to earn returns via lending and liquidity pools.

The U.S. regulatory environment continues to influence DEX adoption. OKX's reentry into the U.S. market follows a $505 million DOJ settlement, while the approval of XRP and Solana ETFs highlights growing institutional acceptance of crypto assets. However, challenges persist, including self-custody complexities and liquidity fragmentation. DEXs like Uniswap and PancakeSwap remain dominant, but new entrants such as Aero and Hyperliquid are vying for market share.

The recent DEX volume dip underscores the sector's volatility amid rapid innovation and regulatory shifts. While DEXs offer lower fees and self-custody advantages, traders must navigate risks like limited liquidity for emerging tokens. As CEXs and DEXs increasingly converge, the focus on user experience and cross-chain interoperability—exemplified by projects like mXRP and The Graph's TRON data infrastructure—will likely shape the next phase of DeFi growth.