table of contents

Figure Markets Exchange Review: A Deep Dive into Self-Custody Trading, Real World Assets, and Innovative Crypto Products

This Figure Markets Exchange Review explores how Figure Markets positions itself within the competitive landscape of crypto exchange and bitcoin exchanges. The platform emphasizes self custody, tokenized assets, and a marketplace for real world assets that aims to give international customers, institutions, and active traders more control. It combines exchange-style order books, lending and borrowing rails for crypto backed loans, and infrastructure that references the provenance blockchain. If you are evaluating where to trade crypto assets or interested in crypto backed borrowing tied to real assets, this comprehensive review will help you assess the trading experience, trading fees, security model, and potential yield opportunities many users seek when they trade crypto.

Because offerings and jurisdictions can change, always confirm details such as trading fees, loan terms, interest rates, and supported digital assets on the official site before you deposit funds. Nothing here is financial advice and past performance of any assets does not guarantee future results. Crypto assets are volatile and can lead to loss of principal.

What Is Figure Markets?

Figure Markets is a crypto exchange initiative associated with the broader Figure brand, known in financial technology for exploring digitization of real assets and lending use cases. The exchange aspires to be a single platform that lets users trade crypto, access tokenized assets, and interact with lending and yield tools designed for crypto holdings. A central theme is decentralized custody and a decentralized MPC wallet approach intended to keep user assets under the user’s private keys rather than relying on centralized custody. This self custody cryptocurrency exchange model appeals to traders who want complete control and full control over keys and withdrawal actions.

The marketplace concept goes beyond standard bitcoin exchanges by focusing on real world assets, sometimes called RWAs, which may include tokenized assets linked to items such as home equity loans or a heloc pool, as well as other digital assets. The goal is giving users a broader range of markets than most exchanges, potentially including securities-like or credit-linked instruments in the future, subject to regulation, jurisdiction, and product approval. You may encounter references to Figure Markets Ireland or Figure Markets Ireland Limited in materials targeted at European users, though you should always verify the exact local operating entity, registrations, and permissions under the relevant central bank or regulatory authority before opening a Figure Markets account.

Core Value Proposition: Self Custody and Real World Assets

Self Custody, Decentralized MPC Wallet, and Complete Control

A foundational idea behind Figure Markets is enabling decentralized custody. With a decentralized MPC wallet design, users hold their own private keys and can manage deposits and withdrawals without surrendering control to a centralized custodian. This structure aims to minimize counterparty risk that has affected other exchanges. It also supports secure on-chain transactions with greater transparency over user assets and storage. For many active traders, the benefits include more control over crypto wallet configurations, easier ways to transfer funds, and the option to connect multiple addresses while preserving self custody.

Real World Assets and Tokenized Assets

Figure has long discussed tokenization of real assets. In a crypto exchange context, that could mean tokenized assets tied to real world cash flows, debt instruments, or collateral pools. Concepts like a heloc pool, home equity loans, and even dutch auction mechanisms for primary issuance are part of the industry’s ongoing exploration of how to bring RWAs on-chain. If these markets are made available in your jurisdiction, they could open pathways to earn yield or seek real yield from credit-like exposures. Some investors also evaluate the credit quality of underlying collateral; terms such as AAA rating are often used in traditional finance to describe highly rated instruments. However, ratings are provided by independent agencies, not exchanges, so always verify the quality, structure, and risk of any asset before you invest.

Account Setup and Onboarding

Creating a Figure Markets Account

To get started, users typically register for a Figure Markets account, complete identity verification, and connect an external crypto wallet or generate a decentralized MPC wallet within the platform’s flow. During onboarding you should expect anti money laundering procedures, know-your-customer checks, and, where lending or credit products are involved, potential credit checks tied to loan terms or a minimum rate depending on the specific product and jurisdiction.

Deposits, Withdrawals, and Transfer Methods

After account creation, you can deposit funds by sending crypto assets to a deposit address provided within your dashboard. Many self custody flows support scanning a QR code to reduce address entry errors. For withdrawals, you select an external address, confirm via your signing device or wallet, and withdraw funds while retaining control of your private keys. Stablecoin deposits, bitcoin (BTC), ethereum (ETH), and other popular digital assets may be available depending on the exchange’s listings. Transaction costs on-chain will vary depending on network congestion and asset type.

International Customers and Regional Entities

International customers should confirm which local entity serves their region. References to Figure Markets Ireland or Figure Markets Ireland Limited may appear for European service. That said, rules differ by country, and regulatory permissions, central bank oversight, and product availability may vary. Always review local disclosures before you trade crypto assets or interact with any yield-bearing stablecoin or tokenized asset.

Trading Experience and Markets

Order Books, Liquidity, and Trading Volume

Like other exchanges, Figure Markets touts a modern trading experience with familiar order types. The depth of the order book, liquidity, and trading volume are key elements for execution quality. Tight spreads and deep liquidity matter to active traders who care about slippage and potential hidden fees embedded in wider pricing. As the platform scales, it may attract market makers and liquidity providers. In the wider industry, firms like Jump Crypto or funds such as Pantera Capital are often involved in market making, venture investments, or liquidity programs across various platforms. Their mention here is purely illustrative; always confirm which partners, if any, support liquidity on Figure Markets at a given time.

Margin Trading and Risk Controls

Many crypto exchange users look for margin trading, though margin availability is jurisdiction-dependent and subject to regulatory approval. Where enabled, risk engines, collateral factors, and liquidation thresholds become crucial. For crypto backed margin trading, interest rates, minimum rate, and loan terms should be clearly disclosed. Make sure you understand the collateral assets accepted, haircut policies, and potential for rapid liquidations in volatile markets.

Fees, “Zero Trading Fees,” and Total Cost of Execution

Trading fees can drastically alter net results for an active trader. Some platforms advertise zero trading fees on specific pairs or promotional windows. Whether Figure Markets offers zero trading fees in a permanent or limited form should be verified on the official fee schedule. Total cost of execution also includes transaction costs such as network fees for deposits and withdrawals, funding rates for margin positions, and spreads due to low trading volume. Evaluate whether any fee-free offer is offset elsewhere, and compare to other exchanges to understand true cost.

Lending, Borrowing, and Yield

Crypto Backed Loans and Crypto Backed Borrowing

Figure Markets emphasizes tools for crypto backed loans, allowing users to post crypto holdings as collateral and borrow stablecoins or fiat-linked equivalents. Crypto backed borrowing can be useful for tax planning in some regions, but it introduces liquidation risk when collateral prices fall. Before you borrow, examine loan terms, interest rates, minimum rate, and margin call thresholds. If same day funding or same day approvals are advertised for certain credit products, validate the details, including any transfer partner or bank integration, and confirm how quickly you can withdraw funds to external accounts.

Real Yield and Yield Opportunities

Some crypto products promote real yield or yield opportunities tied to real assets or tokenized assets. Yield bearing stablecoin structures, sometimes described as yield bearing stablecoin registered in certain jurisdictions, are a growing area. You must confirm whether any yield bearing stablecoin is actually registered with a regulator, the nature of the underlying assets, how interest accrues, and how redemption works. Carefully read disclosures about counterparty risk, custodians, centralized custody versus decentralized custody, and whether earnings come from transparent cash flows or opaque lending.

Earning Passive Income and Stablecoin Deposits

Investors often seek to earn passive income by allocating funds to stablecoin deposits or staking-like products. Verify if the platform’s offers are available to your region and whether they fall under sec registered products or other registrations. Not all products are available to all users, and the line between securities-like products and non-securities can be complex. As with any interest-bearing product, monitor interest rates, lock-up terms, and where your assets actually reside.

Security Architecture and Custody

Decentralized Custody and Private Keys

Figure Markets promotes self custody by design. The decentralized MPC wallet approach lets you sign transactions without a single point of failure for private keys. It can improve resilience compared to centralized custody, where an exchange manages wallets on your behalf. This model gives users full control and complete control to initiate transfers and withdraw funds. It may also reduce systemic risk that has, in past cycles, affected platforms using omnibus wallets with opaque asset segregation.

Operational Safeguards and Proofs

While decentralized custody keeps keys at the edge, operational risk remains. Look for proofs such as periodic attestations, proof-of-reserves, and third-party audits. In a self custody setup, ensure you maintain robust key management, secure devices, and clear recovery procedures. A decentralized MPC wallet can improve usability, but you still need sound operational security to protect crypto holdings.

Compliance and Anti Money Laundering Controls

Compliance plays a critical role in a self custody cryptocurrency exchange. Anti money laundering controls, transaction monitoring, and sanctions screening help maintain access to banking and payment partners. In regions like the EU, an entity such as Figure Markets Ireland Limited would need to adhere to local standards and any central bank guidance. Check the latest policies before you deposit funds.

Supported Assets and Product Scope

Crypto Assets and Digital Assets

Expect a focus on major crypto assets used by active traders, including bitcoin and ethereum, along with selected altcoins and stablecoins. Listing policies typically consider market capitalization, liquidity, token economics, and regulatory clarity. For tokenized assets that reference real world exposure, review underlying documentation and the role of the provenance blockchain if used for issuance or settlement. Product scope may differ by region to comply with securities and commodities laws.

Real World Asset Connectors

When platforms link to real world returns, credibility depends on robust structuring, regulated trustees or administrators, and transparent reporting. If an asset claims an AAA rating or similar, verify the rating agency, the scope, and whether the rating applies to a specific tranche rather than the entire pool. RWAs can be attractive for diversification, but they introduce credit risk, servicing risk, and legal structure considerations.

Pricing, Trading Fees, and Hidden Costs

Trading Fees and Maker-Taker Models

Figure Markets may present a transparent schedule with maker and taker tiers, or limited-time zero trading fees to attract volume. Maker orders add liquidity; taker orders remove it. Many bitcoin exchanges offer fee discounts based on monthly trading volume, VIP tiers, or holdings of a native token. Before you trade crypto assets, compare fee tiers with other exchanges to determine your total cost.

Withdrawal Fees and Network Costs

Even if an exchange advertises zero trading fees, users still face network fees for on-chain transfers. You may also see per-asset withdrawal fees that cover operational costs. During high network congestion, transaction costs can rise rapidly. Plan your transfer funds timing and consider using L2 networks where supported to reduce fees.

Borrowing Costs and Interest Rates

For borrowing, interest rates depend on collateral type, utilization, and market conditions. Review the minimum rate, origination fees, and how interest accrues. Confirm whether interest is fixed or variable and what happens during adverse market moves. Read all disclosures related to rehypothecation, if any, and whether user assets are segregated from company assets.

Institutional Access and Democratized Prime

Democratized Prime for Hedge Funds and Professional Traders

Figure Markets positions elements of its stack as democratized prime services that, traditionally, were exclusive to large institutions. Hedge funds and professional market participants look for prime-like features such as cross-margining, credit lines collateralized by crypto assets, API execution, and integrations with regulated custodians. If available, these features can lower operational friction for market-neutral strategies and basis trades.

Industry Names and Market Structure

Across the broader industry, entities such as Jump Crypto and Pantera Capital are frequently associated with liquidity provision, venture capital, or quantitative strategies. Their activities illustrate the scale of institutional-grade participation in crypto markets in general. This Figure Markets Exchange Review mentions these firms only to contextualize market structure; it does not indicate any partnership or endorsement. Always check the exchange’s public disclosures for current relationships, if any.

Technology Stack and Provenance Blockchain

Settlement Rails and Chain Choice

Figure has historically highlighted the provenance blockchain for certain tokenization use cases. For an exchange, chain support impacts deposit speed, confirmations, and compatibility with external wallets. Whether assets or RWAs are issued on provenance or bridged to other chains, settlement design influences custody choices and how quickly you can deposit funds or withdraw funds.

Forward Vault and Innovative Features

Marketing materials sometimes reference future-facing modules such as a forward vault concept for storing or scheduling transactions, credit, or settlement. Innovative features are appealing, but ensure you understand how they work on-chain, whether they rely on decentralized custody or centralized custody components, and how upgrades are implemented without risking user assets.

How Figure Markets Compares to Other Exchanges

Self Custody vs. Centralized Custody

Many users are migrating from centralized custody models to self custody for more control. Compared to most exchanges that hold user assets in omnibus wallets, a decentralized MPC wallet puts signing authority in users’ hands. The trade-off is that you must manage private keys responsibly. If you prefer the exchange to manage everything, other exchanges with fully managed custody might be simpler, but introduce custodial risk.

Fees, Transparency, and Execution Quality

Figure Markets emphasizes transparent pricing and the potential for zero trading fees on certain products or campaigns. Other exchanges may have complex tiers, fee tokens, and sometimes hidden fees tied to wide spreads or costly fiat ramps. Execution quality depends on trading volume, depth, and matching engine performance. Consider using test trades with small size to observe slippage and settlement speed before scaling up.

Who Is Figure Markets For?

Active traders who want self custody and faster control of deposits and withdrawals
International customers seeking access to tokenized assets and real world assets subject to local rules
Investors exploring crypto backed borrowing and crypto backed loans for liquidity without selling
Users aiming to earn interest or earn yield, mindful of risk and disclosures
Institutions and hedge funds evaluating democratized prime features in a single platform

Step-by-Step: Using Figure Markets

1. Open and Verify a Figure Markets Account

Start by creating your Figure Markets account. Complete KYC and anti money laundering verification. If lending features are relevant, be prepared for credit checks aligned with product requirements.

2. Set Up Your Decentralized MPC Wallet

Configure the decentralized MPC wallet or connect a compatible crypto wallet you already use. Record recovery information and test a tiny transfer to confirm you have full control and can sign transactions reliably.

3. Deposit Funds

Choose a supported asset, generate a deposit address, and scan the QR code in your wallet app. Wait for network confirmations. For stablecoin deposits, verify the supported chains and token contracts.

4. Trade Crypto Assets

Navigate to markets and select pairs that match your strategy. Review order book depth, set limit orders, or use market orders cautiously. If margin trading is enabled in your region, understand maintenance margin and liquidation thresholds before increasing leverage.

5. Explore Yield Opportunities

If the platform provides yield bearing stablecoin products or RWA-based instruments, read disclosures about underlying assets, interest rates, loan terms, and custody. Consider diversification and avoid concentration risk.

6. Borrow Against Your Crypto Holdings

When using crypto backed borrowing, pick collateral assets, monitor LTV, and understand the minimum rate and any origination or closing fees. Check if same day drawdowns are possible and how you can withdraw funds to external banks or wallets.

7. Manage Risk and Withdraw Funds

Use stop-loss orders and alerts to manage risk. When you are ready, withdraw funds to your external wallet, again confirming addresses by QR code or trusted address books. Maintain a secure backup of your keys.

Regulatory Posture and Jurisdiction

Global Access and Local Entities

Crypto regulations evolve rapidly. You may see references to Figure Markets Ireland or Figure Markets Ireland Limited for European operations. Confirm the entity that services your country, whether products are restricted, and whether certain offerings qualify as sec registered products or are available only to accredited or institutional users. Engagement with a local central bank or regulator, where applicable, can affect product scope and leverage limits.

Disclosures and Risk Warnings

Before using any exchange, read the terms of service and risk disclosures. If the platform discusses a yield bearing stablecoin registered in a specific jurisdiction, validate that status, redemption rights, and segregated account structures. Real world assets carry credit and legal risks that differ from spot crypto trading. Always do your own due diligence.

Pros and Cons

Pros

Self custody design with decentralized MPC wallet for greater control over private keys
Potential access to real world assets and tokenized assets beyond standard crypto spot markets
Focus on transparent costs; potential for zero trading fees promotions
Crypto backed loans and borrowing features for liquidity without selling assets
Institutional-minded tools under the democratized prime concept
Emphasis on giving users more control and complete control over user assets

Cons

Newer exchange compared to established bitcoin exchanges, so liquidity may be lower in early phases
Complexity of RWAs and yield products demands higher due diligence by users
Jurisdictional limits; certain products may be unavailable to international customers
Self custody requires stronger personal security practices; user error can be costly
Potential borrowing risks during volatility if using margin trading or crypto backed borrowing

Tips for Minimizing Transaction Costs

Batch withdrawals and pick low-congestion times to reduce network transaction costs
Compare stablecoin chains; some L2 networks may be cheaper
Use limit orders to reduce slippage in thin markets with modest trading volume
Track promotional windows that offer zero trading fees
Monitor funding rates when holding leveraged positions

Team, Governance, and Ecosystem

Figure’s broader ecosystem has been associated with experienced fintech and crypto operators. The platform references a co founder and leadership team with capital markets backgrounds. Community and ecosystem partners matter for liquidity, listings, and institutional adoption. While industry names like Jump Crypto and Pantera Capital appear frequently in crypto discourse, verify any direct relationship with Figure Markets before relying on third-party liquidity or endorsements.

Customer Support and Education

Figure Markets aims to provide docs, walkthroughs, and responsive support channels. Education around self custody is critical: guides on MPC wallet recovery, using a crypto wallet safely, and verifying token contracts are essential. Before making large transfers, test processes with small amounts. A knowledge base that clearly explains loan terms, interest rates, and RWA structures will help users avoid missteps and potential high fees they did not anticipate.

Risk Management and Best Practices

Use hardware-assisted signing where possible and keep recovery material offline
Diversify across assets and avoid relying on a single yield product
Set conservative LTVs for crypto backed borrowing to reduce liquidation risk
Read all disclosures for tokenized assets and real world assets; understand how cash flows are generated
Keep OS, wallet software, and security tools updated

Final Thoughts

This Figure Markets Exchange Review finds a platform built around self custody, decentralized custody architecture, and a push toward integrating real world assets into crypto markets. That combination is ambitious and may appeal to users who want a single platform for exchange trading, credit, and yield. As always, compare to other exchanges on fees, liquidity, and governance. Verify whether Figure Markets offers the specific products you need in your jurisdiction and ensure you understand how decentralized MPC wallet features work in practice.

FAQ

Are figure markets safe?

Safety depends on multiple layers. Figure Markets emphasizes decentralized custody with a decentralized MPC wallet so users maintain private keys and more control over user assets. This can reduce counterparty risk compared to centralized custody models used by most exchanges. However, you must handle self custody responsibly, secure devices, and use reliable recovery procedures. Beyond wallet design, check for audits, proof-of-reserves or attestations, incident response transparency, and compliance measures such as anti money laundering controls. No exchange is risk-free, and crypto assets remain volatile, so adopt strong operational security and diversify where appropriate.

How do figure markets work?

Figure Markets functions as a crypto exchange with a focus on self custody and tokenized assets. Users create a Figure Markets account, complete verification, and set up a decentralized MPC wallet. After you deposit funds, you can trade crypto assets, explore margin trading where permitted, and potentially access lending or yield products such as crypto backed loans, stablecoin deposits, and—if available in your region—exposure to real world assets or tokenized assets. Fees may include trading fees, network fees for withdrawals, borrowing interest rates for crypto backed borrowing, and other transaction costs. The platform’s goal is to be a single platform that blends exchange trading, lending, and RWA access while giving users full control of keys and withdrawals.

Where is Figure Markets located?

Figure Markets serves international customers through different entities depending on jurisdiction. References in public materials include Figure Markets Ireland and Figure Markets Ireland Limited for European service. The exact operating entity for your region may vary, and local rules under a central bank or financial regulator will influence what products are available. Always verify the legal entity, licenses, and product permissions for your country on the official website before you trade crypto or use lending features.

What blockchain is figure market built on?

Figure has highlighted the provenance blockchain in the context of tokenization and settlement for real assets. Figure Markets, as an exchange, may support multiple chains for deposits and withdrawals, while certain tokenized assets could leverage provenance. Always check current documentation to see which chains are supported for specific assets and whether RWA instruments are issued or settled on provenance or other networks. Chain choice affects confirmation times, fees, and wallet compatibility.