Across their official pages, exchanges evaluate six things: (1) the team (identifiable, KYC’d, able to execute), (2) product and users (a working product, real adoption and metrics), (3) tokenomics (supply, distribution, vesting, utility), (4) technical security (audits, verified contracts, chain support), (5) legal and regulatory posture (securities analysis, legal opinions, MiCA for the EEA), and (6) market quality after listing (liquidity, spread, depth, volume). Binance says it wants a proven team, a useful product, and a large user base; Kraken lists asset profile, market fit, technical robustness, regulatory posture, and community; Coinbase runs legal, compliance, and technical security reviews.
Key takeaways
- Team: identifiable and KYC’d; KuCoin wants KYC for at least three core members.
- Product and users: Binance asks for user statistics; OKX for TVL and user growth.
- Tokenomics: supply, distribution, vesting, utility, all documented.
- Security: third-party audits, verified contracts.
- Regulation: legal opinion (KuCoin), securities analysis (Coinbase), MiCA (EEA).
- Market quality: liquidity, spread, depth, and volume are monitored after listing.
The six themes, with what exchanges say
| Theme | What exchanges say (examples) | How to show it |
|---|---|---|
| Team | Binance: founder or key member applies with KYC; KuCoin: KYC for ≥3 core members | Public bios, verifiable track records, KYC-ready |
| Product and users | Binance: user statistics, at least an MVP; OKX: TVL, market share, user growth | Dashboards, on-chain data, retention numbers |
| Tokenomics | OKX: supply, distribution, utility; Coinbase: tokenomics in questionnaire | Allocation table, vesting calendar, wallet list |
| Technical security | Coinbase: technical security review; KuCoin: audit reports | Audits, verified contracts, bug bounty |
| Legal and regulatory | Coinbase: legal review; KuCoin: legal opinion letter; Bitget: legal and compliance evaluation; OKX: MiCA for EEA | Legal opinion, entity docs, MiCA white paper |
| Market quality | Coinbase: monitors liquidity, depth, volatility at launch; Kraken: monitors volume, spread, depth | A market maker with KPIs; DEX liquidity plan |
What exchanges say they do not want
- Intermediaries: Binance disqualifies and blacklists applications through third parties; Bitget does not work with external agencies.
- Hype: OKX asks applicants not to use exaggerated, promotional language or request direct contacts.
- Pressure campaigns: Binance warns against pressuring it or asking the community to over-aggressively shill.
- Price promises: Coinbase notes that statements promising price gains can raise a token’s regulatory risk profile.
Turning criteria into a plan
Build the data room from the pre-listing checklist, arrange a market maker for the market-quality criterion, and apply directly via the forms in our exchange guides. Or request a listing readiness call.
Frequently asked questions
What are Binance's listing requirements?
Binance says there are no set requirements; it looks for a proven team, a useful product, and a large user base, and asks applicants to have at least an MVP. See our Binance guide.
Do exchanges require an audit?
Many ask for third-party audit reports: Coinbase’s questionnaire covers audits, and KuCoin requires security audit reports. Even where not mandatory, an audit is expected for most listings.
Does market cap matter for a listing?
Kraken lists market cap, liquidity, and distribution as part of an asset’s profile. Other exchanges focus more on users and product. A large market cap without real liquidity or users is not persuasive.
Sources
- Binance FAQ: How to list your coins on Binance
- Coinbase: A Guide to the Digital Asset Listing Process at Coinbase
- Kraken: Get listed on Kraken
- OKX: How can I get my project listed on OKX?
- KuCoin: Listing application guide
- Bitget: Listing application
Last reviewed 12 November 2026. Exchange and platform policies change; always confirm on the official page before acting.
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