Solana Latest Update: DEX Trading Activity Drops Sharply Amid CEX Feature Integration and Evolving Regulatory Landscape

On-chain trading volume for decentralized exchanges (DEXs) dropped by 21.6% from the previous week, totaling $952.29 billion,

, even after October saw a record-breaking $613.3 billion in activity. This decrease comes amid heightened competition from centralized exchanges (CEXs) that are adding DEX features and shifting regulatory conditions, especially in the United States.

OKX, a major global crypto exchange,

on its mobile application, now supporting Base, , and its proprietary X Layer blockchain. This new function, available to U.S. users, in a single platform, letting users oversee assets across more than 100 liquidity pools. This approach is similar to moves by and Binance, which have also to their services. OKX highlighted that customers maintain control of their assets while benefiting from automated liquidity routing, but also for some newer tokens.

with the debut of , integrating its services across several blockchains. The upgrade seeks to establish Aero as a primary liquidity center, with plans to expand to mainnet and Circle's Arc in 2026. At the same time, in daily trading, surpassing Ethereum and Chain, though the network is dealing with the impact of scheduled token unlocks related to the Alameda Research/FTX bankruptcy.

The first U.S. spot

ETF, during its opening day, even as the price dropped 8% from its intraday peak. to a friendlier regulatory stance under President Donald Trump and rising interest from institutions. Likewise, over 11 straight days, though price is being held back by monthly Alameda unlocks that add about $30 million in to the market.

as a head-and-shoulders pattern emerged, suggesting further downside risk. Analysts observed more sell orders and liquidity clusters under $950, with $900 identified as a crucial support area. This development coincides with BNB Chain partners , such as the introduction of that lets participants earn yields through lending and liquidity pools.

The regulatory climate in the U.S. continues to shape DEX usage. OKX's return to the American market comes after

, while the greenlighting of XRP and Solana ETFs signals increasing institutional embrace of digital assets. Still, obstacles remain, such as the complexities of self-custody and fragmented liquidity. , but new players including Aero and Hyperliquid are entering the competition.

The recent decline in DEX volumes highlights the sector's inherent volatility amid ongoing innovation and regulatory changes. While DEXs provide benefits like reduced fees and asset self-custody,

such as low liquidity for less established tokens. As the lines between CEXs and DEXs blur, priorities like user experience and cross-chain compatibility— —are expected to drive the next wave of DeFi expansion.