Blockchain Trading Advantages: Self-Custody and Transparency Take Center Stage

Jeff Yan, co-founder of decentralized exchange Hyperliquid, highlighted the key advantages of blockchain trading at the Korea Blockchain Week 2026. According to him, self-custody and transparency are crucial benefits that traditional platforms cannot match.

Yan noted that while 24/7 trading is becoming increasingly common in the crypto market, its uniqueness is fading as traditional platforms extend their operating hours. He emphasized that self-custody allows users to retain control over their assets and reduces reliance on intermediaries, which is particularly important when dealing with counterparties and custodians.

Transparency is another significant advantage of blockchain trading, as participants can verify transactions and system operational rules. Yan stressed that infrastructure managed solely by a private company does not offer comparable levels of control.

However, Yan acknowledged the demand for 24/7 trading remains high, especially for assets that lose public pricing after traditional markets close. He cited commodities, stocks, and instruments related to private companies before IPO as examples. At Hyperliquid, the share of HIP-3 rose from 2% at the beginning of the year to nearly half of perpetual contract trading volume by July.

Yan also highlighted private companies as an area with significant potential for blockchain innovation. He noted that a substantial portion of a business's value is formed before going public, yet access to such assets remains limited. Yan believes global pricing for these instruments will allow for earlier company valuations and expand market access beyond a single jurisdiction.