LBank Exchange Review: An In-Depth Analysis

Choosing the right cryptocurrency exchange is crucial for both beginners and seasoned traders. The right platform ensures security, user-friendliness, and a wide range of trading options, all of which contribute to a smooth trading experience.

A well-chosen exchange can significantly impact your trading experience and overall success. Here are key factors to consider:

• Diversity of Product Offering: Ensure the exchange offers a wide range of cryptocurrencies and trading pairs. This allows for diversification and the ability to take advantage of different market opportunities.
• Fees: Look for competitive trading fees and transparent fee structures. High fees can eat into your profits, so compare rates across multiple exchanges to find the best deal.
• Security: Prioritize exchanges with robust security measures, including two-factor authentication, cold storage for funds, and a solid track record of handling security incidents. Your assets' safety should always be a top priority.

LBank Exchange checks all of these boxes.

In this LBank Exchange Review, we'll dive into its features, fees, and security measures to help you determine if LBank is the right exchange for your needs. 

LBank Exchange Review Summary

LBank is a user-friendly cryptocurrency exchange offering over 100 fiat currencies and a range of cryptocurrencies for trading. However, a 2019 audit by Hacken raised a few red flags. More recently, the exchange has run afoul of regulators in Japan.

The Key Features of LBank Exchange Are:

LBank Exchange is like the Swiss Army knife of crypto platforms, offering a variety of tools and services to meet the needs of traders. Here's a rundown of what makes LBank stand out:

• Spot Trading
• Derivatives Trading
• Grid Trading
• Staking
• Crypto Loans
• NFT Marketplace

Before we begin this review, we'd like to direct your attention to a few allegations the exchange has faced. 

The Concern

Blockchain security services company Hacken.io identified several issues in a 2019 audit, which highlighted inconsistencies in liquidity, with trade volume and prices showing irregular patterns across different trading pairs. Additionally, there were signs of potentially random trading activity. 

The report noted that LBank's 30-day adjusted trading volume was unusually high compared to its relatively low website traffic and social media presence, surpassing well-known exchanges like Kraken and KuCoin. This raises suspicions about the authenticity of LBank's reported trading volumes. Currently, LBank's trading volumes continue to appear high compared to major exchanges like Kraken.

Hacken also found limited public information regarding the team running the exchange. Granted, the Hacken report came out before LBank underwent a major revamp.

More recently, Japan’s Financial Services Agency issued a warning to LBank Exchange, accusing it of operating without proper registration and violating Japanese laws. This action is part of a broader crackdown by the FSA, which previously targeted other exchanges last year for similar reasons, effectively barring them from the Japanese market.

What is LBank Exchange?

LBank Exchange is a centralized crypto exchange founded in 2015 that enables users to trade cryptocurrencies in over 100 fiat currencies using more than 20 payment methods.

The Hacken report also identified conflicting information regarding the platform launch date. The English site and official social media accounts suggest October 2016, while other evidence supports October 2017. Indicators favoring the latter include the X (Twitter) account registration (September 2017), domain registration (September 21, 2017), and the earliest trade history (September 2017). So, take this with a grain of salt.

The platform holds licenses from the National Futures Association, Italian Organismo degli Agenti e dei Mediatori, and money services businesses in Canada. The exchange is also registered with FinCEN, and has licenses in Australia and Lithuania. 

Key features include:

• Crypto Purchases: Buy cryptocurrencies with Visa, Mastercard or bank wire.
• Early Access to New Projects: Register to trade new coins and tokens before they launch on other exchanges.
• Launchpad and Airdrop Rewards: Earn tokens through active participation in projects.
• Copy Trading: Replicate the trades of experienced traders.
• 24/7 Support: Access professional customer service and local Telegram communities.
• Strong Security: Benefit from SSL-encrypted servers, two-factor authentication, and secure wallet storage.
• Interest Bonuses: Earn high interest and bonuses on your crypto holdings.
• User-Friendly for Beginners: Navigate easily with a simple interface.
• Educational Resources: Learn about crypto through the LBank Academy's written and video materials.

Regarding the team, the LBank website doesn't list people running the show. However, the exchange's LinkedIn page lists Johnason Chan as a co-founder, Eric He as co-founder and chairman, Beck Z as chief business officer, Kaia W as chief marketing officer and Eric Xu as North American CEO.

How To Get Started on LBank

Getting started on LBank is simple and quick. Follow these steps to create an account, complete the verification process, and set up Two-Factor Authentication (2FA) for added security.

Step-by-Step Registration Process

Creating an Account

1. Visit the LBank Homepage: Go to LBank's website and click on the “Register” button at the top right corner.

2. Enter Your Details: Enter your email address, create a password, and select your country code. Make sure to use a strong password with a mix of letters, numbers, and symbols for better security. Agree to the Terms of Service and User Agreement.

3. Complete the Verification: The system will send a verification code to your email or phone number. Enter the code to verify your account.

Verification Process

1. Enter the Verification Code: Check your email or phone for the verification code and enter it within the specified time frame. This step ensures that your contact details are accurate and that you have access to them.

2. Complete the Process: Follow any additional prompts to complete the verification. This may include providing personal information and uploading documents as part of the Know Your Customer (KYC) process.

Setting Up 2FA for Added Security

1. Enable 2FA: Go to your account settings and select Two-Factor Authentication (2FA). This adds an extra layer of security to your account, making it more difficult for unauthorized users to access it.

2. Choose an Option: Select between Google Authenticator or SMS 2FA. Google Authenticator is often preferred for its security and ease of use.

3. Setup: Follow the instructions to link your account with the 2FA method. Typically, this involves scanning a QR code with the authenticator app and entering the verification code generated by the app.

LBank Identity Verification

Identity verification is a crucial step for users who wish to use LBank. This process ensures the security and integrity of the platform while complying with regulatory requirements.

Verification Process Overview

LBank requires users to complete identity verification by submitting personal information and identity documents.

Steps to Complete Identity Verification

On the LBank App:

1. Log In: Open the LBank app and log in to your account.
2. Access KYC: Click on the profile icon and select the "KYC" option.
3. Submit Information: Fill in the required personal information and upload the requested identity documents followed by a facial verification.

On the LBank Website:

1. Log In: Navigate to the LBank website and log in to your account.
2. Verification Section: Go to the verification section of your account settings.
3. Provide Details: Enter the necessary personal details and upload the required identity documents, and complete facial verification.

Supported Identity Documents

LBank accepts a variety of identity documents for verification, including:

• Government-issued ID cards
• Passports
• Driver's licenses

Verification Time and Approval

The verification process is designed to be quick and efficient. Typically, it takes a few minutes to complete the submission.

Security and Compliance

LBank's identity verification process leverages AI-driven identity verification, document validation and watchlist screening. The platform has partnered with Sumsub to enhance its verification capabilities. Sumsub's solutions help LBank ensure compliance with regulatory requirements and effectively reduce the risk of fraud.

Supported Cryptocurrencies

According to CoinGecko, LBank Exchange supports roughly 670 coins. This includes blue-chips like Bitcoin and Ethereum, as well as other major names like:

• Solana
• BNB 
• Avalanche
• Cardano
• Polygon

There's also a healthy sampling of memecoins:

• Dogwifhat
• Catwifhat
• Book of Meme
• Shiba Inu
• PepeCoin

Unfortunately, it appears the OG memecoin, Dogecoin, isn't supported.

Supported Deposits

LBank supports the purchase of digital currencies with 115 fiat currencies, including:

• USD
• GBP
• EUR
• AUD
• JPY
• AED

Payment methods supported

Visa, MasterCard, Apple Pay, Bank Transfer, iDEAL, SEPA, Sofort, Interac e-Transfer, Australia Post, PayID, Newsagent, Google Pay, Credit Card, Debit Card, PayPal, PayNow, FPS, Prompt Pay, InstaPay, QuickPay, Viettel Pay, DuitNow, UPI and GoJek.

In addition, the platform also supports the following payment gateways:

• Mercuryo
• Banxa
• Xanpool
• Simplex
• Coinify
• Paxful
• Moonpay

LBank Trading Features and Tools

LBank’s trading platform feels like it’s well-designed—everything is at your fingertips and designed for efficiency. Here's a breakdown of the trading features and tools you’ll find:

Trading Interface Overview

• Dashboard Layout and User Navigation: Imagine stepping into a cockpit where every control is intuitively placed. LBank’s trading dashboard is just like that. On the left, you have your order book, price charts, and trading pairs. To the right, there’s the order entry and execution panel. It’s a setup that makes navigating through trades feel seamless.
• Key Trading Tools and Functionalities: LBank offers a toolkit that would make even Tony Stark envious:
• Advanced Charting: Powered by TradingView, LBank’s charting tools come with over 100 technical indicators and drawing tools.
• Order Book Depth and Market Visualization: These tools give you a real-time look into market activity, helping you gauge the market’s pulse at a glance.
• Real-Time Data: Access to real-time price, volume, and order flow data ensures you’re never in the dark.
• Customizable Alerts: Set price alerts and notifications so you never miss a critical market movement.

Order Types and Trading Pairs

LBank supports a variety of order types to match your trading strategies:

• Market Orders: Perfect for executing trades immediately at the current market price.
• Limit Orders: Set your desired price and wait for the market to meet it.
• Stop-Limit Orders: Protect your investments by setting a stop price to trigger a limit order.
• Trailing Stop Orders: These move with the market price, allowing for dynamic stop losses.
   

Spot Trading

With over 600 trading pairs, LBank’s spot trading platform is like a vast marketplace. Whether you’re trading major cryptocurrencies like Bitcoin and Ethereum or diving into a wide selection of altcoins, there’s plenty to explore.

Grid Trading

LBank’s grid trading feature works like a seasoned chess player, placing buy and sell orders at predefined price levels. It’s an automated strategy designed to take advantage of market volatility without constant monitoring.

Leveraged Tokens

LBank offers leveraged tokens, which allow you to trade with up to 125x leverage.

Futures Contracts

LBank supports futures trading on various cryptocurrencies, including BTC and ETH. Futures contracts allow you to speculate on future price movements.

Options Contracts

For more sophisticated strategies, LBank also offers USDT-margined options contracts. These allow users to speculate on the future price movements of cryptocurrencies with more flexibility.

Overall, LBank provides a robust and feature-rich trading platform that caters to both novice and experienced cryptocurrency traders. The wide range of order types, trading pairs, and advanced tools ensure that users have the necessary functionality to execute their trading strategies effectively.

LBank Copy Trading

Imagine having the ability to mimic the trading strategies of successful traders without lifting a finger. That's what LBank's copy trading feature offers. It allows users, especially beginners, to replicate the trades of seasoned pros automatically. This means you can benefit from their expertise without having to dive deep into the complexities of trading yourself.

There's also a feature called private copy trading, which allows lead traders to share their trades privately and only allows invited users to copy trade. Lead traders are able to hide their lead trader profiles, configure unique invitation links and manage copy traders.

How It Works

1. Browse Traders: On LBank, you can browse through a list of traders and check out their trading performance and strategies.
2. Follow and Copy: Choose a trader to "follow" or "copy," and LBank will replicate their positions and order executions in real-time.
3. Integrated Interface: The copy trading feature is seamlessly integrated into LBank's trading interface, making it straightforward to set up and manage your copied trades.

The maximum profit-sharing ratio a trader can receive directly from their followers is determined based on the total futures equity and can go up to 10%.

Benefits

• Learn from the Best: Novice traders can learn and earn by leveraging the expertise of experienced traders.
• Passive Income: Copied traders can earn a percentage of the profits made by their followers, providing an additional income stream.
• Time-Saver: This feature reduces the need for extensive research and analysis, allowing you to benefit from expert strategies with minimal effort.
• Diversification: By copying multiple master traders with different strategies, you can diversify your trading portfolio.

Features

• Performance Tracking: Detailed analytics for master traders, including win rates, profit/loss ratios, and historical trade records.
• Customizable Settings: Users can set their preferred leverage, position sizes, and stop-loss levels.
• Real-Time Updates: Receive notifications and updates on the trades being executed by the copied traders.

Risks

• Potential Losses: If the copied trader experiences losses, these will reflect in your account as well.
• Strategy Deviations: The master trader's strategy might become less profitable or deviate from your risk tolerance over time.
• Due Diligence: It's crucial to thoroughly research and understand the strategies of the master traders you choose to copy.

LBank's copy trading feature is a robust and user-friendly tool that allows novice traders to learn from and capitalize on the expertise of seasoned traders. While it may lack some advanced analytics and risk management tools compared to other exchanges, it offers a convenient and accessible way for users to benefit from expert strategies. As with any investment, it's crucial for users to thoroughly research and understand the trading strategies of the master traders they choose to copy.

Futures Trading on LBank

Futures trading on LBank allows traders to speculate on the future price movements of various cryptocurrencies, including BTC, ETH, and USDT-margined contracts. The platform supports both maker and taker fees, with rates set at 0.04% for takers and 0.02% for makers.

Futures Contracts

LBank offers futures contracts with leverage up to 125x, letting traders bet on price changes without owning the underlying assets. The platform supports both isolated and cross-margin modes. 

Order Types

LBank supports a variety of order types for futures trading:

• Market Orders: Execute trades immediately at current market prices.
• Limit Orders: Set your desired price and wait for the market to meet it.
• Stop-Loss Orders: Protect your investments by setting a stop price.
• Take-Profit Orders: Automatically close positions to secure profits.
• Advanced Orders: Includes trailing stops and bracket orders for better position management.

Risk Management

To help traders manage risk, LBank provides several tools:

• Position Sizing: Determine the size of your trade based on your risk tolerance.
• Stop-Loss and Take-Profit Orders: Automatically close positions to limit losses or lock in gains.
• Margin Call Feature: Automatically closes positions when margin levels drop below a certain threshold.

Leveraged ETF Trading

LBank offers leveraged ETF trading, letting traders invest in a basket of cryptocurrencies with leverage. Importantly, no margin is required, which means you don't risk forced liquidations.

LBank Labs

Armed with a $100 million fund, LBank Labs supports entrepreneurial companies using blockchain technology to develop solutions from pre-seed to early-stage growth companies.

Their team consists of experts with backgrounds from leading entities like Binance Labs, Binance NFT, Bitmain, Huobi Listing teams and Consensys. LBank Labs partners with top venture capital firms, offering a diverse portfolio of blockchain ventures and providing access to a vast network of key industry players and exclusive opportunities across seven regions.

The support extends beyond financial backing; it provides mentorship and guidance from industry veterans. The process to partner with LBank Labs involves announcing the idea, undergoing expert analysis, meeting the team and receiving funding and mentorship.

LBank Labs' investment strategy follows the P.S.E. framework:

• Platform: Investing in projects that can lead their market niches, like Lido in decentralized finance.
• Standard: Supporting projects that set the bar for blockchain innovation, such as Enjin in NFT creation.
• Ecosystem: Backing projects that build collaborative ecosystems, like Treasure DAO in Web3 gaming.

LBank Card

This is a Visa-branded credit card designed to provide users with a secure and convenient way to spend their crypto assets.

Eligibility and Application

To get the LBank Card, users must complete the KYC verification process. Once approved, card details are provided for online transactions. Here’s how to apply:

1. Log in to your LBank account and navigate to the LBank Card application page.
2. Complete KYC verification.
3. Choose a card name and set a 4-digit PIN.
4. Provide necessary personal details.
5. Ensure your spot account has at least 5 USDT to cover the card issuance fee.
6. Submit the application and wait for approval.
7. Upon approval, you'll receive a notification, and a separate spending account will appear in your wallet.

Common reasons for application failure include incomplete KYC verification and insufficient balance.

Card Features and Usage

The LBank card is billed as a credit card but requires sufficient funds in the cardholder’s LBank account to authorize payments. You can use it anywhere Visa is accepted, including over 50 million merchants globally.

When making a purchase, the LBank card deducts the equivalent cryptocurrency amount from your spending account balance in real-time. Currently, the card supports USDT for transactions.

Additional Information

At present, the LBank Card is only available as a virtual card. Physical cards, which will allow cash withdrawals from ATMs, are expected to be issued in the future. The card has spending limits based on usage history. The card can be linked to Apple Pay and Google Pay.

LBank Security

Security is paramount when it comes to cryptocurrency trading, and LBank has implemented a range of measures to ensure user safety and data protection.

Two-Factor Authentication (2FA)

LBank supports two-factor authentication, providing an additional security layer beyond just a password. Users can choose between Google Authenticator and SMS-based 2FA options, making it harder for unauthorized individuals to access accounts.

Cold Storage for Funds

To minimize the risk of hacking and theft, LBank stores the majority of user funds in cold storage wallets that are not connected to the internet. The platform uses a combination of hot and cold wallets to balance accessibility and security, ensuring that funds are protected while still being readily available for transactions.

Encryption Standards and Protocols

LBank employs SSL encryption to safeguard user data and transactions. This industry-standard protocol ensures that information transmitted between users and the platform remains private and secure. Additionally, LBank utilizes other advanced security protocols to protect its systems and infrastructure.

Regulatory Compliance and Licensing

LBank is committed to adhering to global regulations and guidelines for cryptocurrency exchanges. This commitment is reflected in its licenses from regulatory bodies in the United States, Canada, and Italy.

Proof of reserves

The exchange recently adopted the Merkle-tree proof-of-reserves.

Insurance Fund

The Insurance Fund at LBank is designed to cover losses when client accounts go below zero, using collateral from fees on non-bankrupt clients to limit counterparty-liquidation occurrences. All perpetual futures contracts share a common insurance fund, except BTC/USDT and ETH/USDT, which have their own separate funds.

Licensing Details

• United States: Licensed by the Financial Crimes Enforcement Network (FinCEN) as a money services business (MSB).
• Canada: Registered with the Financial Transactions and Reports Analysis Centre of Canada (FINTRAC).
• Italy: Holds a Virtual Asset Service Provider (VASP) license.
• Australia: Registered as a remittance service provider and digital currency (cryptocurrency) exchange provider with the Australian Transaction Reports and Analysis Centre (AUSTRAC).
• Lithuania: Registered under Lithuanian law to engagee in various activities related to crypto assets and virtual services. These activities include cryptocurrency exchange, wallet operation and more.

Transparency Measures

LBank provides information about its regulatory compliance and licensing on its website, demonstrating its commitment to operating within legal frameworks.

LBank Fees

LBank charges a number of fees depending on the product you're using.

Trading Fees

• Spot Trading Fees: LBank charges a flat 0.10% fee for both makers and takers.
• Futures Trading Fees: LBank charges a flat fee of 0.06% for takers and 0.02% for makers. In addition, you'll also be charged a transaction fee of 0.2% as well as a daily management fee, which is typically 0.1%.
• Leveraged Tokens: The exchange charges maker/taker fees of 0.02% each. There's also a management fee for each times leverage every day (usually the fee rate is 0.1%) to pay the funding rate, trading fee and other necessary charges generated by the fund portfolios.

LBank Card Fees

• Card Fee: 5 USDT
• Consumption Fee: 1.5% (USD), 2.5% (non-USD)
• Transaction Limits: Initial limit of $600 per transaction, adjustable to $5,000. The daily transaction limit is $50,000.

Deposit and Withdrawal Fees

• Deposits: LBank does not charge any fees for deposits onto the platform.
• Withdrawals: There are withdrawal fees to be aware of as well, but the amount varies depending on the specific cryptocurrency being withdrawn. The withdrawal fees are listed on the LBank website. The withdrawal fees are subject to change, so users should check the latest rates on the LBank website.

LBank Review: Closing Thoughts

LBank Exchange offers a user-friendly platform for cryptocurrency trading, featuring over 100 fiat currencies and a wide range of cryptocurrencies. The exchange provides features such as spot and derivatives trading, staking, crypto loans, and an NFT marketplace. Additionally, copy trading and early access to new projects give users a competitive edge.

LBank's commitment to security is evident through its implementation of two-factor authentication, cold storage for funds, and SSL encryption. Regulatory compliance is maintained with licenses from multiple global jurisdictions. The Insurance Fund ensures coverage for client losses, further securing user assets.

Overall, LBank Exchange is a well-rounded platform suitable for both beginners and experienced traders.