Centralized exchanges offer a wide range of features that perpetual DEXs still struggle to match. One area where some platforms are starting to close the gap, however, is asset variety. Vest Markets is one such example, offering over 536+ perpetual contracts across crypto, forex, commodities, indices, and stocks. In this Vest Markets review, we will go through its core features, along with key details such as fees and security, to help you better understand how the platform works and what it offers.

Vest Markets Overview

Launched in 2023 by Justin Ma, Vest Markets is a multi-asset trading venue where users get 24/7 access to perpetual contracts across crypto, stocks, forex, commodities, IPOs, DATs, indices, and ETFs. The platform is built to support liquidity and trading opportunities for smaller, less liquid long-tail assets that are typically harder to access with leverage on most exchanges.

At the core of the platform is its proprietary zkRisk engine, which enables a model similar to spot DEX-style liquidity provision while dynamically pricing risk in real time. This helps maintain platform stability, especially during periods of high volatility.

Vest Markets operates purely as a gasless perpetual trading platform built on Base, offering over 536 perpetual contracts with leverage of up to 100x. The platform has recorded cumulative trading volume exceeding $9.62B+. Fees vary depending on the asset class. For crypto pairs, users pay around 0.01% to open or close positions, while equities and forex contracts can be traded with zero fees during regular market hours.

Beyond trading, Vest Markets also offers additional features such as Vaults, where users can deposit USDC to earn yield, and a prop trading program that provides traders with up to $25,000 in capital under a profit-sharing model.

From a security perspective, Vest Markets’ smart contracts have been audited by OtterSec. The zkRisk system also plays a role in managing risk exposure across the platform in real time. While there have been no reported hacks so far, the platform’s relatively short operating history means long-term security resilience is still developing. It also provides live chat support for users who need assistance.

Vest Markets Pros and Cons

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Vest Markets KYC and Sign-up

Vest Markets is a perpetual DEX built on the Base network that lets users access its markets either by creating an account with an email address or by connecting a Web3 wallet. If you choose the wallet route, you will need a Web3-compatible wallet to connect and fund before you can begin trading. Here is the step-by-step process to create an account on Vest Markets.

Step 1: First, head over to Vest Markets in your browser and click on the “Start Trading” button in the top-right corner.

Step 2: Once you are on the platform, you will need to connect your Web3 wallet, so click on the “Sign Up” button to begin.

Step 3: Vest Markets gives you multiple sign-up options, including using your Google account, an email address, or a Web3 wallet. In this case, we will be using the wallet option.

Step 4: After selecting your preferred wallet, Vest Markets will prompt a signature request inside your wallet. Approve it to complete the connection between your wallet and Vest Markets, and you can then start using the platform.

With your wallet now connected to Vest Markets, the next step is to deposit funds so you can start trading on the platform.

Supported Networks

Vest Markets is built on the Base network and supports over 7 major EVM networks, including Base, Ethereum, Arbitrum One, OP Mainnet, Polygon, zkSync Era, and BNB Smart Chain.

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Vest Markets Deposit and Withdrawal Methods

On Vest Markets, deposits and withdrawals across supported networks are processed instantly, with no additional fees charged by the platform. It supports over seven networks, allowing users to fund their accounts using any compatible option. Withdrawals are capped at $50,000 per day, with a minimum withdrawal amount of $1.

If you sign up using an email address, you also get access to the Coinbase on-ramp, which allows you to fund your account using Apple Pay, credit or debit cards, or directly from an existing Coinbase balance.

Vest Markets Trading

Vest Markets is a perpetual-only platform, meaning there is no spot trading feature available. You get access to over 536 USD-M perpetual contracts, with leverage of up to 100x. One of its strongest aspects is asset variety, covering crypto, indices, DATs, ETFs, forex, commodities, and stocks within a single interface.

The trading interface is clean, smooth, and minimal, following a familiar layout. You get a TradingView-powered chart, a real-time order book, an order form, and an account overview section. The charts include standard tools for analysis, while the order book helps you understand market depth and liquidity.

Within the account overview, you can track total PnL, account value, and maintenance margin, along with managing a watchlist of preferred assets.

In terms of order types, the platform keeps things simple. You get basic options like market and limit orders, along with one advanced option, scaled orders.

Vest Markets Fees

Fees on Vest Markets vary depending on the asset class being traded, so it is important to look at each market individually to understand the structure.

Trading Fees

Trading fees on Vest Markets are based on both the market and the timing of the trade. For crypto markets, the platform follows a fixed fee model, where users pay around 0.01% to open or close a position.

For equity markets, trading during regular market hours is free, with fees set at 0.00%. However, outside regular hours, fees increase to 0.05%, and during weekends, they rise further to 0.1% per trade.

Forex markets follow a similar structure, with zero fees during standard trading hours. During weekends, a fee of around 0.25% is charged to open or close positions.

Future Fees

0.01% Maker

0.01% Taker

Deposits and Withdrawals Fees

Vest Markets does not charge any fees for deposits or withdrawals across supported networks.

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Vest Markets Products and Services

Next, let’s take a look at the additional services offered by Vest Markets for its users.

Vest Markets Trading

When you trade on Vest Markets, you are using a perpetual-only platform, meaning there is no spot market available. Everything is built around leveraged trading, with access to over 536 assets including stocks, crypto, forex, and commodities. You can trade 24/7, even outside traditional market hours, using USDC as collateral under a cross-margin system. The interface feels similar to crypto perp DEXs, letting you open long or short positions quickly, with instant settlement and no trading fees in most markets.

Vest Markets Portfolio

The Portfolio section gives you a complete overview of your trading activity in one place. You can track open positions, orders, and trade history, while monitoring real-time PnL, margin usage, and risk levels. Since everything runs on a cross-margin USDC system, you get a unified view across all markets, making it easier to manage multiple trades and adjust positions efficiently.

Vest Markets Vaults

Vest Markets offers a Vaults feature where you can deposit USDC and earn yields of around 6%, with total value locked sitting at approximately $2.84M+. This gives you a way to generate passive returns while staying within the platform’s ecosystem. However, compared to other perp DEXs, vault functionality is relatively limited, and it is not positioned as a core product, with more focus placed on active trading instead.

Vest Markets Prop Trading Program

Vest Capital is Vest Markets’ prop trading program, allowing you to trade with funded accounts after passing an evaluation. You can choose between three plans: Silver ($5,000), Gold ($10,000), and Platinum ($25,000) in trading capital. Each plan requires hitting profit targets while staying within drawdown limits. Once funded, you can keep up to 90% of profits. This is useful if you want to scale your trading without risking personal capital, though strict rules apply.

Vest Markets Security

Vest Markets operates as a non-custodial perpetual DEX, so users retain full control of their funds through their own wallets instead of relying on centralized custody. The platform’s smart contracts, deployed on Base, have been formally audited by OtterSec, with the full report available publicly.

At its core, the zkRisk engine uses zero-knowledge proofs (zkSNARKs) to handle risk calculations off-chain while publishing verifiable proofs on-chain. This allows transparent and manipulation-resistant pricing without exposing user positions.

It also follows a trustless model, with decentralized oracles and no dependence on a central operator for pricing or solvency checks. Risk management is handled dynamically through funding rate adjustments and open interest caps.

There have been no reported hacks to date, and the platform has grown to over 90K+ users, though its relatively recent launch still limits long-term track record visibility.

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Vest Markets Customer Support

Vest Markets offers a live chat support feature to help users resolve queries directly on the platform. In addition, users can engage with the community through its Discord server for updates and discussions. However, the platform does not currently provide a dedicated help center or detailed knowledge base, which may limit self-service support options.

Vest Markets Alternatives

Vest Markets is built for traders who want multi-asset exposure with leverage, but limitations like no spot market and a perp-only structure mean it may not suit everyone. Here are some of the top Vest Markets alternatives you can consider:

1. Hyperliquid: Offering a similar range of assets, Hyperliquid stands among the top perp DEXs, with a gasless trading experience and the added advantage of spot markets.

2. Aster DEX: One of the leading perpetual DEXs, Aster DEX provides a broad range of markets with extremely high leverage, going beyond 1001x, suited for aggressive trading strategies.

3. Derive: Originally Lyra, Derive offers options, perps, and spot markets in one platform, with low fees, up to 20x leverage, and RFQ execution for larger trades.

Bottom Line

Vest Markets is built for traders who want leveraged exposure across multiple asset classes, especially those looking to trade stocks, crypto, and forex in one place without KYC. Features like gasless trading, 24/7 access, and a large range of perpetual markets make it practical for active traders.

However, the lack of spot markets and its perp-only structure may not suit everyone. If you prefer broader functionality, you can explore our guide on top perpetual DEX alternatives.

FAQs

1. Can I trade stocks like Apple or Tesla on Vest Markets?

Yes, Vest Markets offers perpetual contracts for major U.S. stocks, allowing you to trade them 24/7 without waiting for market hours.

2. What makes Vest Markets different from other perp DEXs?

It combines crypto-style trading with traditional markets like equities, forex, and commodities, all in one platform.

3. Is there a spot trading option available on Vest Markets?

No, Vest Markets is strictly a perpetual trading platform and does not offer spot markets.

4. Is Vest Markets suitable for beginners?

It can be used by beginners, but the focus on leveraged trading makes it more suitable for users who understand risk management.

5. Can I trade on weekends or outside stock market hours?

Yes, Vest Markets allows 24/7 trading across all supported assets, including equities.