In this episode of “Deconstruction”, using Bitget as a case study, we examine how crypto exchanges are turning into global financial super-apps.
Together with Bitget’s CIS marketing manager, Liliya Malikova, we discussed in detail the main trends at the intersection of Web3 and TradFi.
ForkLog (FL): In recent years exchanges have moved onto the turf of traditional brokers. What motivated this decision for Bitget in particular?
Liliya Malikova (L. M.): On the one hand, our task is to keep users and assets within a single ecosystem so people do not have to jump between a bunch of other apps. On the other, we see real demand: people do not want to just trade crypto; they want to build a broader portfolio.
It is a logical step in our evolution, where we view the market more broadly and meet financial needs on a single universal platform.
FL: Who in the CIS market is most interested in new instruments now?
L. M.: In the CIS, most of the audience came into crypto a few years ago, lived through cycles and now want their financial result not to depend solely on crypto. Our target audience already lives in a digital environment and is simply looking for an expanded toolkit.
We also see traders from traditional brokers, who note how fast, high-tech and convenient our platform is.
FL: Users are accustomed to memecoin volatility and quick 10x returns. What challenges do you face when offering them conventional equities and indices?
L. M.: The crypto audience is used to rapid moves, so buying stocks often seems uninteresting to the new generation because of the market’s slower pace.
We just change the framing: we do not suggest replacing crypto with stocks; we offer a tool to ride out a bear cycle more safely.
In general, traders do not care much what they trade, as long as they can balance risks efficiently.
FL: What is the business goal behind integrating MetaTrader 5 (MT5)?
L. M.: MT5 is a familiar environment for a vast number of professional traders, and the first goal is to open the door for them to a crypto exchange.
The second goal is to give our current crypto users an alternative interface with more metrics and algorithms. We did not significantly change the core Bitget app; we simply expanded the ecosystem by adding a TradFi button.
FL: MT5 is associated with algo-trading. Are you seeing users porting their forex robots to the crypto market?
L. M.: There is interest, and because MT5 is historically linked to sophisticated strategies, we do notice a spike in robot use by advanced traders. However, the crypto market differs in the structure of its moves, so algorithms do not transfer one-to-one, and you cannot just copy old forex code.
We do not think everyone will move en masse into algo-trading; it is simply another convenient window for experienced users.
FL: Bitget has introduced contracts for difference (CFD). Which traditional asset classes draw the most interest in the CIS?
L. M.: The most popular assets across regions are gold, oil and classic indices. In the CIS, gold is traditionally perceived as a defensive asset, and indices attract traders because they are highly volatile on macro news.
US stocks draw the least attention right now; people mostly prefer the S&P 500 and other fundamental instruments.
FL: What are the risks of CFDs, and could a major market crash like in October 2025 happen again?
L. M.: The risk is high, especially if you enter this instrument chasing quick multiples: leverage works both ways, and mistakes are very painful. Our main task is to explain the mechanics of margin and liquidations to users, because CFDs are intended exclusively for mature traders. At the same time, gold will not drop 90% in a few hours, unlike altcoins, and the probability of the contract price decoupling from the underlying asset is extremely low.
FL: How effective is artificial intelligence for crypto trading?
L. M.: The main misconception is that AI will become a “money button” — there is no miracle; it simply analyses deep layers of data and helps make decisions faster.
AI is useful because it delivers quick answers amid information noise, builds a plan and reminds you about risks. But the final responsibility for the trade and understanding risk management always lie with the trader.
FL: Tell us what GetClaw is and how it works.
L. M.: It is an AI agent that lets you operate your exchange account directly in a Telegram chat via an API key, without logging into the app. In the chat you can check your balance or issue a text command to buy, sell and withdraw assets from staking.
I think this is the future of the entire industry, where these agents, not people, will be the ones trading via the platform.
FL: Do you use AI-based tools inside the company itself?
L. M.: To remain consistently among market leaders, we must accelerate with AI: the first draft of content and creatives is already generated via neural networks. Support is also partially automated, where the first filter of enquiries is handled by an algorithm, and we use AI for marketing analytics.
At the same time, sensitive legal communications and our public position always remain the personal responsibility of the team.
FL: Why have people suddenly started trading on prediction markets en masse, and why is AI analytics needed there?
L. M.: Prediction markets have become a very human type of trading: a user does not need to know wave analysis; they simply place a bet based on how they feel.
AI analytics are needed mainly to help structure information and avoid drowning in the massive noise around world events. Artificial intelligence gathers context, but the final investment decision still rests with the user.
FL: Could crypto exchanges eventually replace traditional banks and retail brokers entirely?
L. M.: Our exchange has an ambitious goal: by 2030 to take 40% of the traditional finance market, and thanks to fiat crypto channels we really can replace banks.
In future the ideal user portfolio will include a core (bitcoin, stocks, gold) and a risk layer of altcoins. Tactical TradFi instruments will give traders stability, so people will build more sophisticated and resilient portfolios.
The conversation has been significantly abridged. Watch the full episode:
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