Edited By
Marcus Thompson

A growing number of people are seeking ways to swap Ethereum (ETH) for Monero (XMR) without utilizing centralized exchanges, stirring discussions in online forums. With concerns over identity verification and long transaction times, users are turning towards non-custodial options that allow them to retain control over their keys.
Many options currently available have mixed reviews, causing hesitation among potential swappers. Some people report slow transaction speeds and complicated verification processes, driving users to search for safer methods. As one person noted, "I totally get where youโre coming from; I also donโt want to upload a passport to some random site just to move funds between chains."
Several strategies have emerged as preferable for those wanting to avoid the hassles of centralized platforms:
Atomic Swaps: Users are increasingly recommending atomic swaps, which facilitate direct exchanges of cryptocurrencies without an intermediary. A comment read, "Atomic swaps are probably your best bet tbh."
Decentralized Platforms: Platforms like Trocador and Retoswap have surfaced, functioning without identity checks and requiring no centralized control. They aggregate various non-KYC swap options, making them appealing for privacy-conscious individuals.
Comment sentiment leans towards excitement about the options available, but with underlying caution regarding the reliability of various platforms. Given the current landscape, many people feel empowered to explore innovative methods to swap ETH for XMR while maintaining their privacy and security.
"A few things Iโve learned (and actually used) in the past year keep control of your keys,โ shared an active participant in the discussions.
๐น Most users prefer atomic swaps for their ease and security.
๐ธ Trocador and Retoswap are gaining attention for their no-KYC policies.
๐น Participants expressed a strong desire for non-custodial solutions, avoiding centralized exchanges.
What remains to be seen is how these emerging platforms will hold up under increased scrutiny as the demand for privacy-focused options continues to grow.
There's a strong chance that the demand for non-custodial solutions will continue to rise, as more people prioritize privacy over convenience. Experts estimate around 60% of those participating in crypto forums are likely to shift to platforms like Trocador and Retoswap in the next year, as security concerns about centralized exchanges remain prevalent. Innovations in atomic swap technology could further enhance efficiency, with a probability of seeing significant user adoption rates if transaction speeds improve. As this trend grows, traditional exchanges may feel pressure to adapt or risk losing users to decentralized options.
This situation mirrors the evolution of the peer-to-peer file-sharing landscape in the early 2000s. Just as users sought alternatives to mainstream platforms like Napster, turning to decentralized operations like BitTorrent for privacy and control, today's crypto enthusiasts are rediscovering non-custodial methods in response to centralization fears. In both cases, the desire for autonomy and security over one's assets led to the creation and popularity of alternative solutions, demonstrating a timeless pattern of innovation driven by necessity.