Which exchange is good for your ICO

Just as the popularity of ICOs is soaring, helping firms raise billions of dollars, token listing services are also in tandem, and there are several new crypto exchanges cropping up, more frequently than ever. And these exchanges are also minting money, since ICO operators are scurrying to get a spot on platforms which clock high-trade value.
Every exchange claims to be the best, but it is ultimately those who launch the ICO who decide which exchange is good for them. After all, securing a spot on an exchange is an expensive affair. So here are some points to ponder before you take that leap and list your ICO on any exchange.
Popularity
There are popular cryptocurrency exchanges which investors visit daily, and they are not necessarily the ones which charge jaw dropping amounts to list tokens. There are many platforms which list tokens for free, and are managed by people who are really enthusiastic and passionate about all things crypto. They conduct thorough research before listing a token on their site, and have earned credibility for their work.
Size of the exchange
The volume of trading happening on an exchange is a good measure of the size of that exchange. Large volume of trading signifies that the exchange is secure, investors have trust in it, and trading on it is simple.
Interlinking of currencies
An exchange that offers a broader range of choices when trading, instead of making it mandatory for buyers and sellers to deal in a single cryptocurrency, is definitely a better option. For example, you should be able to exchange bitcoins for ethers, ethers for other ICO tokens, and even cryptocurrency for fiat currency and vice versa. Such flexible platforms attract more investors, and hence are a good choice to list your ICO tokens too.
Location of the exchange
Though it is possible to access crypto exchanges from anywhere in the world, the course of trading depends on the location of the exchange too. Some countries have restrictions on using certain tools for some exchanges, and that could dampen the chances of success of your token listing. On the other hand, there are places like Singapore and Hong Kong where special regulations are in place to make it easy for firms to launch ICOs and carry out cryptocurrency and blockchain based business, and for investors to invest in the same, and an exchange based there would have more legal and regulatory acceptance. Thailand also has a new licensing system rolled out for firms in the digital assets space.
User friendly interface
You may have the best business idea and the strongest finance base and may have put together the most remarkable ICO, but if you list your tokens on an exchange whose site is not easy to navigate and has a complicated trading process, your tokens will fall flat on their face. So look for an exchange that has user friendly interface, where individuals with very little or no technical knowledge can also carry out transactions.
Commissions
Exchanges generally charge commission for listing tokens, for transactions, and though the rates might be low for some, it could amount to a huge sum if the volume of transactions is high. Commissions also vary depending on whether transactions are carried out in cryptocurrency or fiat currency. Investors also need to pay commissions when they refill their crypto wallet. Investors will prefer to steer clear of sites that charge huge commissions on transactions, and would not be a good choice to list your ICO tokens as well. Some exchanges, which research every ICO thoroughly (or claim to do so), also charge a fee for this, and that must also be considered.
Risks/ security flaws
The exchange should be secure and devoid of any security flaws. Cybersecurity is one of the chief concerns when it comes to dealing in cryptocurrencies. So an exchange must be completely secure, with no risk of money laundering or investors losing their money. These checks and verifications must be carried out and vetted by third party experts, and there must be an assurance that the exchange is safe from hacking attacks. Diligent checks carried out to check that no scam projects get listed on the exchange take time, but are necessary. Some exchanges have made it mandatory for smart contracts to be checked for bugs.
Ingenuity of product/platform
Some platforms offer unique services which make them stand out from the crowd, like speed and simplicity of transactions, their own blockchain that makes transactions swift and secure, audit by reliable auditors, unique solutions for a problem, a hybrid architecture that comprises of blockchain as well as centralized exchange, and investors find these attractive.
Types of token tradable
There are several types of tokens- currency tokens, utility tokens, asset tokens, equity tokens, reward tokens, security tokens, etc., and all exchanges do not offer trading services for all of them. If your ICO has more than one type of tokens or a combination of several, you might need to look for an exchange that offers trading facility for all as well trading across categories.
Communication methods
Does the exchange have a blog, and are the posts on it informative and easy to understand? Does the exchange have a presence on social media? Does it communicate often with people? Does it have a friendly or authoritative tone of communication? It is a good idea to check these when choosing an exchange for your ICO.
Quality of corporate board
Look for reliable, prominent and credible names on the corporate board of an exchange before deciding to put up your ICO tokens there. Instead of celebrities or influencers, look for people who have experience and knowledge in the blockchain, cryptocurrency and trading domains. A strong corporate board is a good indicator of an exchange where your ICO will enjoy a good launch as well as successful trading in the future.
Conclusion
It may seem like a long and arduous task to find that/those exchange(s) where you can list your ICO, it is important to invest time and effort and explore and assess carefully, for the success of your business will depend on it.
