If you’re
interested in crypto, this is the right interview for you. We spoke with
Adrian Pollard, a designer who has been shaping the cryptocurrency landscape since 2013. His journey began with a passion for design and evolved into creating innovative solutions within the crypto space. He co-founded
HollaEx® — an open-source platform enabling white-label cryptocurrency exchanges and has to say about crypto, so let’s dive in!
The journey behind HollaEx®
Joy Wallet: What motivated you to start HollaEx®, and how did your journey in the cryptocurrency space lead you to develop this platform?
Adrian: A close friend introduced me to
Bitcoin, and from an early time, I’ve consistently contributed to the space through design — starting with logos and later transitioning to UI/UX. The big startup idea began when our team struggled to work with various exchange APIs, which were unreliable at the time. We had no choice but to build our own exchange. That marked the beginning of our journey into crypto infrastructure and the creation of HollaEx®.
We quickly realized how difficult it was to create an exchange and thought it would be a great idea to share our technology with others so they wouldn’t have to build everything from scratch. For us, HollaEx® has always been about democratizing finance by making crypto tools accessible and affordable — not just for big players but also for small startups.
Breaking misconceptions
Joy Wallet: For newcomers to crypto, what do you believe are the biggest misunderstandings about cryptocurrency exchanges?
Adrian: There are a few common misconceptions. Many people think all exchanges are essentially the same, but that’s far from true. Some believe bigger exchanges are better, but the largest platforms often face issues like overloading and delayed customer support, which lead to a poor user experience.
Smaller exchanges can sometimes provide a better experience because they’re less overwhelmed and can focus on their user base. Additionally, many newcomers underestimate their own role in keeping assets secure. Simple practices, like enabling two-factor authentication (2FA), using longer passwords, and staying vigilant against phishing attacks, go a long way. At HollaEx®, we’ve made these security processes as intuitive as possible through our user-friendly design.
Choosing the right exchange
Joy Wallet: What advice would you give to someone new to cryptocurrency on how to choose a secure and user-friendly exchange?
Adrian: Security should always be the top priority. Look for platforms with a proven track record, like HollaEx®, that implement robust security protocols. A user-friendly interface is equally important, especially for beginners, as it can make a huge difference in how confident you feel using the platform. I’d also recommend considering
open-source exchanges because they offer greater transparency compared to closed platforms.
White-label exchanges explained
Joy Wallet: Could you explain the concept of white-label exchanges and how they help increase access to crypto trading?
Adrian: A white-label exchange is essentially a fully functional crypto trading platform that can be customized and rebranded by a business operator. Think of it as building your own crypto platform using a ready-made toolkit. With HollaEx®’s white-label solution, businesses can enter the blockchain space quickly and offer various crypto financial services without the complexities of building a platform from scratch. This approach empowers niche markets, local communities, and businesses to create exchanges tailored to their needs, giving more people access to stable currencies like USDC and USDT.
Prioritizing security
Joy Wallet: Security is a big concern for crypto users. What should people look for to ensure an exchange is secure?
Adrian: Security is non-negotiable in crypto. Look for features like two-factor authentication, encryption, and a strong security track record with no major breaches. At HollaEx®, we’ve prioritized security from day one, and being open-source means anyone can verify our platform’s safety independently.
We also encourage users to practice self-custody and avoid storing all their assets on an exchange. Keep only the amount you intend to trade on the platform and use hardware wallets or personal wallets for long-term storage.
Navigating market volatility
Joy Wallet: How do you recommend users approach the volatility of cryptocurrency markets when first starting out?
Adrian: Start small and manage your expectations. Crypto is exciting but extremely volatile, which can be overwhelming for beginners.
Only invest what you can afford to lose, and take the time to learn about blockchain technology and the assets you’re investing in.
Understanding the technology makes it easier to hold through market swings. Risk-management strategies, like stop-loss orders, can also help protect against significant losses. It’s a learning journey, and starting slow lets you familiarize yourself with how the market behaves without unnecessary emotional stress.
Privacy in crypto
Joy Wallet: How does HollaEx® approach user privacy, and what privacy practices should users prioritize when using any crypto platform?
Adrian: Privacy is a core value for us. HollaEx® is designed to collect only the minimum data required for KYC and AML compliance. Exchange operators using HollaEx® have tools to ensure their users’ privacy and security.
We partner with industry leaders like
Idenfy to securely handle data. For users, it’s essential to work with platforms that prioritize privacy and collect only what’s necessary for regulatory purposes.
The power of open-source
Joy Wallet: What are the biggest advantages of crypto exchanges being open-source, as HollaEx® is, and how does it benefit users?
Adrian: Open-source code is critical for trust and transparency. It allows developers, users, and security experts to review and verify the platform. It also ensures accountability. Our global developer community constantly audits and improves the HollaEx® platform.
For businesses, open-source platforms like HollaEx® are highly customizable and enable them to create exchanges tailored to unique needs. Transparency benefits everyone by removing any “black box” concerns and creating trust.
Spotting scams
Joy Wallet: Many people are interested in investing in cryptocurrency but are concerned about scams. How can they identify legitimate platforms?
Adrian: Stick to Bitcoin and
Ethereum, as they are the most established assets. Avoid smaller, centralized projects unless you’ve thoroughly researched them.
When choosing platforms, look for the longest-running exchange in your country. If none exist, use a reputable global exchange with a proven track record and the ability to process withdrawals to your local bank or payment provider.
Learning the ropes
Joy Wallet: What resources or tools would you recommend for someone wanting to educate themselves on cryptocurrency trading and blockchain technology?
Adrian: Start with our blog, which covers blockchain mechanics and crypto exchange operations. We also run the largest YouTube channel dedicated to operating crypto exchanges, offering unique insights for both beginners and business operators.
The future of exchanges
Joy Wallet: How do you see the future of cryptocurrency exchanges evolving, particularly regarding user experience and accessibility?
Adrian: I see traditional banks integrating crypto into their systems, where you’ll have BTC balances alongside fiat in your bank account. Local money exchange stores will also start offering crypto as a way to cash in and out, as we’re already seeing in places like Turkey with BTC and USDT.
Secure storage tips
Joy Wallet: What advice would you give to someone wondering about the best way to store their crypto assets securely?
Adrian: A hardware wallet is one of the best options for security. It stores your crypto offline, protecting it from online hacks.
Diversify your storage. Keep some funds in your personal wallets and only the amount you need to trade on exchanges. Simplicity is key, as overcomplicating your security setup can lead to issues. Keep it straightforward and, where possible, offline.
Finding joy
Joy Wallet: Finally, what brings you the most joy in life?
Adrian: Making an impact by helping people save and better manage their finances brings me the most joy. Seeing successful exchanges deployed in new countries is incredibly rewarding because it creates real wealth through hard assets like Bitcoin.
Beyond that, I enjoy spending time with family and watching the industry grow.
