In this episode of "Deconstruction," we explore how cryptocurrency exchanges like Bitget are evolving into global financial super apps.
We had an in-depth discussion with Bitget's marketing manager for the CIS, Liliya Malikova, about the key trends at the intersection of Web3 and TradFi.
ForkLog (FL): In recent years, exchanges have ventured into the territory of traditional brokers. What prompted this decision for Bitget?
Liliya Malikova (L. M.): On one hand, our goal is to keep users and assets within a single ecosystem, so they don’t have to switch between multiple applications. On the other hand, we see a real demand: people don’t just want to trade crypto; they want to build a broader portfolio. This is a logical step in our development, where we look at the market more broadly, addressing financial needs on one universal platform.
FL: Who in the CIS market is currently most interested in new tools?
L. M.: In the CIS, most of our audience consists of those who entered crypto a few years ago, experienced cycles, and now want their financial outcomes to depend on more than just crypto. Our target audience already lives in a digital environment and is simply looking for expanded tools. Additionally, traders from traditional brokers are joining us, attracted by our speed, technology, and convenience.
FL: Users are accustomed to the volatility of meme coins and quick gains. What challenges do you face when offering them traditional stocks and indices?
L. M.: The crypto audience is used to rapid movements, so buying stocks often seems uninteresting to the new generation due to the slower market movements. Here, we simply change the angle of presentation: we don’t propose to fully replace crypto with stocks, but rather provide a tool to safely navigate a bear cycle. Overall, traders care less about what they trade and more about effectively balancing risks.
FL: What business goal is behind the integration of the MetaTrader 5 (MT5) platform?
L. M.: MT5 is a familiar environment for a large number of professional traders, and our primary goal is to open the door for them to the crypto exchange. The second goal is to provide our current crypto users with an alternative interface that includes more metrics and algorithms. We haven’t significantly altered the main Bitget application; we’ve simply expanded the ecosystem by adding a TradFi button.
FL: MT5 is associated with algorithmic trading. Is there a flow of users launching forex robots in the crypto market?
L. M.: There is interest in this, and since MT5 has historically been linked to complex strategies, we are noticing a spike in robot usage among advanced traders. However, the crypto market has a different structure of movements, so algorithms cannot be directly transferred, and it’s not possible to simply copy old forex code. We don’t believe that everyone will switch to algorithmic trading; it’s just another convenient option for experienced users.
FL: Bitget has introduced Contracts for Difference (CFD). Which classes of traditional assets are generating the most interest in the CIS?
L. M.: The most popular assets across all regions are gold, oil, and classic indices. Gold is traditionally viewed as a safe asset in the CIS, while indices attract traders due to their volatility on macro news. Currently, there is less interest in American stocks; people mostly prefer the S&P 500 and other fundamental instruments.
FL: What risks are associated with CFD contracts, and could a large market crash like the one in October 2025 happen again?
L. M.: The risk is high, especially if entering this tool for quick gains: leverage works both ways, and a mistake can be very costly. Our main task is to explain the mechanics of margin and liquidation to users, as CFDs are intended solely for mature traders. However, gold won’t drop 90% in a few hours, unlike altcoins, and the likelihood of the contract price decoupling from the actual asset is extremely low.
FL: How effective is artificial intelligence for trading cryptocurrencies?
L. M.: The main misconception is that AI will be a "money button"—there’s no magic here; it simply analyzes deep layers of data and helps make decisions faster. AI is beneficial because it provides quick answers amid information noise, formulates plans, and reminds users of risks. However, the final responsibility for trades and understanding risk management always lies with the trader.
FL: Tell us about GetClaw and how it works.
L. M.: It’s an AI agent that allows users to manage their exchange account directly via chat in Telegram using an API key, without needing to log into the app. Users can check their balance or issue text commands to buy, sell, and withdraw assets from staking right in the chat. I believe this is the future of the entire industry, where trading will be conducted by these agents rather than by people.
FL: Are AI-based tools used within the company itself?
L. M.: To remain market leaders, we must accelerate using AI: initial drafts of content and creatives are already generated through neural networks. Customer support is also partially automated, with algorithms handling the first filter of inquiries, plus we use AI for marketing analytics. However, sensitive legal communications and public positions 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 form of trading: users don’t need to know wave analysis; they simply place bets based on their feelings. AI analytics is primarily needed to help structure information and avoid getting lost in the vast information noise surrounding global events. AI gathers context, but the final investment decision remains with the user.
FL: Will crypto exchanges be able to completely replace traditional banks and retail brokers in the future?
L. M.: Our exchange has an ambitious goal: to capture 40% of the traditional finance market by 2030, and with fiat crypto channels, we can indeed replace banks. In the future, an ideal user portfolio will include a core (Bitcoin, stocks, gold) and a risk layer of altcoins. Tactical TradFi tools will provide traders with stability, allowing for more complex and reliable portfolios.
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