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GDAX



Definition

GDAX, an acronym for Global Digital Asset Exchange, was a cryptocurrency exchange platform launched by Coinbase in 2015. It allowed users to trade digital assets such as Bitcoin, Ethereum, and Litecoin through a professional and user-friendly interface. However, GDAX has been rebranded and is now operating under the name Coinbase Pro since May 2018.

Phonetic

The phonetic pronunciation of the keyword “GDAX” is: “Jee-dee-ay-ex”

Key Takeaways

  1. GDAX, or Global Digital Asset Exchange, is a cryptocurrency exchange platform where users can trade various digital currencies like Bitcoin, Ethereum, Litecoin, and more.
  2. It offers advanced trading features like margin trading, stop orders, and limit orders, catering to more experienced traders and providing enhanced security with features like two-factor authentication and cold storage for user funds.
  3. GDAX was rebranded to Coinbase Pro in 2018, which is now its current trading platform, offering the same features but with an improved user interface and additional cryptocurrencies available for trading.

Importance

GDAX, which stands for Global Digital Asset Exchange, is an important term in the business and finance world as it refers to a cryptocurrency exchange platform that allows investors and traders to perform transactions in various digital assets like Bitcoin, Ethereum, and Litecoin. It is considered significant because it provides a secure, transparent, and user-friendly platform for trading cryptocurrencies. GDAX’s advanced features, such as lower transaction fees, margin trading, and a wide range of trading pairs, contribute to its appeal among professional and institutional investors. Additionally, as the cryptocurrency market continues to expand and become more integrated into global finance, GDAX’s prominence underscores the increasing relevance of digital assets in the business and financial sectors.

Explanation

The Global Digital Asset Exchange (GDAX), now known as Coinbase Pro, is a prominent online platform used for trading a variety of cryptocurrencies such as Bitcoin, Ethereum, and Litecoin. It is ideal for both novice and seasoned traders, as it provides them with diverse asset offerings, competitive fees, and advanced trading tools. GDAX’s primary purpose is to enable the secure and smooth exchange of digital assets for individuals and institutions. By providing a comprehensive interface for trading, charting, and analytic tools, the platform enables users to make well-informed investment decisions and conduct transactions with ease. Not only does GDAX play a central role in the cryptocurrency market by driving liquidity and price discovery, but it also helps investors capitalize on the growing allure of digital assets as alternative investments. The platform offers real-time market data, in addition to historical charts and order books, to help users identify market trends and optimize their trading strategies. Furthermore, it places great emphasis on security and compliance, adhering to strict regulatory guidelines to protect users’ funds and data, and thus fostering trust and widespread adoption in the digital assets realm. In essence, GDAX helps bridge the gap between traditional financial markets and the world of cryptocurrencies, supporting the ongoing expansion of blockchain technology and digital assets.

Examples

The term GDAX is an acronym for the Global Digital Asset Exchange, which was a cryptocurrency exchange that rebranded to Coinbase Pro in 2018. Here are three real-world examples related to GDAX: 1. GDAX Rebranding to Coinbase Pro: In May 2018, GDAX announced that it would be overhauling its platform and rebranding under the name “Coinbase Pro.” This rebranding aimed to improve usability, offer new features, and create a unified experience for customers who used Coinbase and GDAX for trading digital assets. 2. Ethereum (ETH) Flash Crash on GDAX: In June 2017, a flash crash occurred on GDAX that caused the price of Ethereum (ETH) to briefly drop from over $300 to just $0.10 within seconds. This was due to a market order of around 38,000 ETH, which instantly triggered hundreds of stop orders and margin calls. GDAX later restored the losses experienced by impacted customers by granting trading credits .3. GDAX’s Application for BitLicense: In January 2017, GDAX filed an application for BitLicense, a business license for virtual currency activities required by the New York State Department of Financial Services (NYSDFS). By obtaining the BitLicense, GDAX would have had permission to operate as a cryptocurrency exchange legally within the state of New York.

Frequently Asked Questions(FAQ)

What is GDAX?
GDAX, or the Global Digital Asset Exchange, is a cryptocurrency exchange platform formerly operated by Coinbase, a popular digital currency exchange. In 2018, Coinbase combined GDAX with its new platform, Coinbase Pro, which now serves as an advanced trading platform for cryptocurrencies.
What is the purpose of GDAX?
GDAX was designed to offer advanced features for professional investors and traders, such as lower fees, margin trading, and advanced charting tools, to facilitate the buying, selling, and trading of cryptocurrency assets.
What cryptocurrencies were supported on GDAX?
GDAX supported major cryptocurrencies such as Bitcoin, Bitcoin Cash, Ethereum, and Litecoin, as well as some smaller, high-potential cryptocurrencies.
What are the fees associated with GDAX?
Prior to the launch of Coinbase Pro, GDAX operated on a maker-taker fee model. This means that those who provided liquidity, or ‘makers,’ often paid lower fees compared to those who took liquidity, or ‘takers.’ The fee structure on GDAX was highly competitive and dependent on the 30-day trading volume of the user.
Can I still access GDAX?
No, GDAX has effectively been replaced by Coinbase Pro since 2018. To access advanced trading features, you will need to use the Coinbase Pro platform.
How do I create an account on GDAX?
As GDAX is no longer operational, you cannot create an account specifically for GDAX. However, you can create a Coinbase account and then access the advanced trading features in Coinbase Pro using the same login credentials.
Is GDAX regulated?
GDAX operated under the same licenses and regulatory framework as Coinbase, which is a fully regulated and licensed cryptocurrency exchange in the United States. While GDAX itself no longer exists, its successor, Coinbase Pro, is still regulated under the same framework.
Is GDAX safe for trading cryptocurrencies?
As a part of Coinbase, GDAX had robust security measures in place, including the storage of over 98% of customers’ cryptocurrency in offline cold wallets. Although GDAX is no longer accessible, Coinbase Pro upholds the same security standards to ensure the safety of users’ accounts and assets.
Can I use GDAX on my mobile device?
GDAX did not have a dedicated mobile app. However, the Coinbase Pro platform, which has replaced GDAX, does have a mobile app available for both Android and iOS devices.
How can I contact the GDAX support team?
Since GDAX has been replaced by Coinbase Pro, you cannot reach out to the GDAX support team directly. Instead, you can contact the Coinbase support team for any questions or concerns. Their support can be reached via their official website, which offers live chat, email support, and a help center with various resources.

Related Finance Terms

  • Cryptocurrency Exchange
  • Trading Platform
  • Coinbase Pro
  • API Integration
  • Market Liquidity

Sources for More Information


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