case study: centralized crypto exchange

We built a powerful binary options trading platform enhanced with a custom futures module and real-time analytics. By leveraging our experience in crypto exchange development, we created a high-performance system optimized for speed, flexibility, and trader-friendly UX.

Client

The client approached us with a request to develop a binary options trading platform with integrated futures trading, focused primarily on the cryptocurrency market. Another key requirement was to create a performance management module that could dynamically analyze and adjust trading parameters in real time. The task was quite challenging, as many of the requested features are rarely implemented in this type of project.

Challenges

I want to highlight the key modules that really raised questions for us and added complexity to this particular project.

1. Charting module

While binary options platforms are not inherently complex, the charting system is a crucial component. Initially, we considered developing a custom chart engine from scratch, but our preliminary estimate showed that it would require over six months of frontend development. Instead, we chose TradingView, which we deeply customized for the project — from a redesigned color palette and unique indicators to custom interactive UI components.

2. Market data streams

The second task was to integrate trading pairs and provide real-time price updates. We tested several reliable data providers, comparing latency, stability, and pricing, and settled on TraderMade. To ensure instant price updates, we implemented Pusher, which provided real-time data transmission without latency — a critical feature for scalping.

3. Performance management module

The third challenge involved developing an automated mechanism for calculating trading premiums for each currency pair. Our analyst designed an algorithm that analyzed market volatility over various time frames, calculated the median fluctuation, and dynamically adjusted the premium percentage. This approach helped maintain a balance between trader profitability and platform stability.

4. Futures trading module

A separate challenge was the development of the futures trading module and its adaptation to the binary options logic. Leveraging our experience in crypto exchange development with futures contracts, the module itself was not difficult to implement. The main goal was to integrate it seamlessly into the platform’s architecture while maintaining a simple interface and intuitive user flow.

We analyzed trading logic, profit calculation mechanisms, and risk management systems to make the futures component feel natural within the binary trading ecosystem.

Analysis

At the start, we conducted a comprehensive functional audit of all planned modules. Each component was documented in detail — from the logic behind premium calculations to spread formulas.

We then created a system-wide technical document describing the interaction between all platform elements, which significantly simplified the design and development stages.

The futures trading module was implemented as a separate component with its own balance and the ability to be enabled or disabled independently. This allowed users to transfer funds between binary and futures sections, mirroring the familiar behavior of traders on crypto exchanges.

This structure made the platform intuitive for professional traders and flexible for future scaling.

To optimize development and reduce risk, we chose an isolated margin type for futures trading — simplifying position management and protecting users from unwanted balance losses.

Planning

Project planning was managed through our YouTrack workspace. We prefer this tool for its flexibility, efficient task tracking, and seamless integration with our ERP, CRM, and Discord systems.

The team worked using a Kanban/Scrum hybrid methodology, which provided both structure and adaptability — essential for projects where requirements may evolve during development.

We always stay open to client feedback, promptly adapting workflows to new priorities and goals.

Design

The project manager prepared a userflow, which served as the foundation for the design team to create interactive layouts. The client’s quick feedback allowed us to start frontend development in parallel with ongoing design approval, saving nearly two weeks in the overall timeline.

We first designed the client-side interface, followed by the admin panel. Meanwhile, our DevOps engineer set up the server environment on Hetzner, using Docker containerization for efficient deployment.

Drawing on our previous experience, we also reused templates from earlier projects as the foundation for the futures trading section, which accelerated the process and preserved a high level of functionality detail.

Development

Thanks to clear planning and strong team coordination, the development phase progressed smoothly.

The Team Lead managed backend and frontend teams, ensuring timely integration, QA testing, and release synchronization.

Our familiarity with the TradingView API allowed us to efficiently tailor the charting module to the client’s business logic. Having a solid technical base helped us quickly adapt existing code to the platform’s requirements.

During the data stream integration, we faced recurring disconnection issues between the data providers and Pusher, which caused the chart to “freeze.” Step by step, we optimized the code, restructured socket event handling, and achieved full system stability. After a month of continuous refinement, the platform began operating smoothly and reliably — proving once again that the hardest issues often appear where you least expect them.

Result

Development time: 5 months

Team: 2 backend developers, 2 frontend developers, 2 QA engineers, 1 DevOps, 1 designer, 1 project manager

Tech stack: Laravel, Node.js, React, Docker, GitLab CI/CD, Hetzner

Complexity level: 4/5

The project was delivered on schedule. The client provided quick feedback and approved designs promptly, helping us avoid delays. Despite the complexity of integrations and custom features, the team achieved excellent stability and high performance.

As a result, the client received a scalable, production-ready platform with a unique trading core, while our team gained another successful case and valuable experience in developing dynamic trading ecosystems.