Is TWEX Taiwan Virtual Asset Exchange Worth It? A Detailed Analysis of Pros and Cons

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The Taiwanese cryptocurrency landscape is evolving rapidly, and a major player has just entered the scene—TWEX (Taiwan Great Virtual Asset Exchange), launched by Fusheng Digital, a subsidiary of Taiwan Mobile under the CTBC Financial Holding Group. As one of Taiwan’s most trusted telecom and financial conglomerates expands into digital assets, many investors are asking: Is TWEX worth signing up for?

This in-depth guide explores TWEX’s background, supported cryptocurrencies, fee structure, registration process, key advantages, notable limitations, and overall value proposition—helping you make an informed decision.

What Is TWEX?

TWEX is a regulated virtual asset trading platform developed by Fusheng Digital Technology, backed by Taiwan Mobile and integrated within the CTBC Group ecosystem. It emphasizes compliance and security, with TWD funds held in trust by CTBC Bank, ensuring transparency in fiat custody.

Additionally, TWEX uses HSM-secured cold wallets for crypto storage and has been listed on the Financial Supervisory Commission’s (FSC) anti-money laundering declaration registry—signaling strong regulatory alignment.

However, despite its corporate pedigree, TWEX comes with several restrictions that may affect usability for both new and experienced investors.

Supported Cryptocurrencies & Trading Fees

Available Trading Pairs

Currently, TWEX only supports TWD/BTC and TWD/ETH trading pairs. Users can buy or sell Bitcoin (BTC) and Ethereum (ETH) using New Taiwan Dollars. Notably:

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This limited selection resembles a restaurant offering only two dishes—functional, but far from satisfying diverse investor needs.

Trading Fee Structure

TWEX's pricing model combines embedded spreads and explicit fees, which together result in relatively high costs:

Compared to other local platforms like MAX or BitoPro—where trading fees typically range between 0.05% to 1%—TWEX’s total cost is significantly higher. For example, buying at a 3% premium means your asset must appreciate over 3% just to break even.

Moreover, TWEX operates on a quote-based system, meaning users accept prices provided by the platform rather than setting limit orders. This removes control over entry and exit points—a key difference from traditional exchanges.

Key Advantages of TWEX

✅ Low Entry Threshold

You can start investing with as little as NT$100, making it accessible for beginners or those testing the waters without significant risk. This micro-investment approach lowers psychological barriers and encourages financial literacy.

✅ Beginner-Friendly Interface & Tutorials

TWEX offers step-by-step图文 guides for registration, deposit, trading, and withdrawal. Even users unfamiliar with crypto can navigate the platform with ease. The inclusion of a "demo mode" further enhances learning without financial risk.

✅ Strong Institutional Backing

Being part of the CTBC Group brings credibility. Investors who trust established financial institutions may feel more secure using TWEX compared to independent platforms. In case of operational issues, corporate accountability adds a layer of protection.

Major Drawbacks of TWEX

❌ No On-Chain Withdrawals (Biggest Limitation)

One of the most critical flaws: you cannot withdraw crypto from TWEX. Assets purchased remain locked within the platform and can only be sold back to TWD.

This means:

In a space built on decentralization and ownership, this restriction contradicts core crypto principles.

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❌ High Transaction Costs

As previously noted, the ~3% effective spread makes profitable trading difficult. Frequent traders will see profits eroded quickly. For long-term holders, this high entry cost reduces overall returns.

❌ Exclusive Access for Taiwan Mobile Users

Only customers with a Taiwan Mobile phone number can register and use the service. This excludes users from other carriers like Chunghwa Telecom or Far EasTone—limiting market reach and contradicting the inclusive ethos of digital finance.

How to Register & Use TWEX

The onboarding process is straightforward but restricted:

  1. Download the Taiwan Mobile App
  2. Log in with a Taiwan Mobile SIM card
  3. Navigate to the TWEX section
  4. Complete KYC verification (approval takes 5–7 business days)
  5. Transfer TWD via bank transfer to designated account
  6. Buy/sell BTC or ETH at platform-set prices
  7. Withdraw TWD back to your bank (NT$18 fee)

Note: Non-Taiwan Mobile users can view the interface as guests but cannot trade.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

Q: Can Chunghwa Telecom users register on TWEX?
A: No. Only Taiwan Mobile subscribers can log in to the app and access TWEX services.

Q: Does TWEX support USDT or other stablecoins?
A: Not currently. Only BTC and ETH are available for TWD trading.

Q: Can I transfer my Bitcoin to a hardware wallet?
A: No. Crypto assets cannot be withdrawn or transferred off-platform at this time.

Q: Are there plans for staking or earning features?
A: The team has hinted at future utility upgrades, including potential staking options, but no official roadmap has been released.

Q: How safe is my money on TWEX?
A: TWD deposits are held in CTBC Bank trust accounts, and crypto is stored in HSM-protected cold wallets—making it relatively secure from a custodial standpoint.

Q: Is TWEX worth using in 2025?
A: For now, it's best suited for casual investors seeking low-barrier exposure to BTC/ETH. Active traders or those wanting full control should consider more flexible alternatives.

Final Verdict: Should You Use TWEX?

TWEX marks a significant milestone: a major traditional financial group embracing digital assets. Its institutional backing, simple interface, and low minimum investment make it appealing for absolute beginners.

However, critical limitations—especially no crypto withdrawals, high fees, and carrier exclusivity—hinder its competitiveness against established platforms.

While it serves as a gateway for some, it falls short of delivering true cryptocurrency ownership or advanced functionality.

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Core Keywords

In summary, TWEX is a step forward for mainstream crypto adoption in Taiwan, but it remains a limited product. Monitor future updates—if they introduce withdrawals, staking, or wider coin support—it could become a stronger contender in the local market.