
A surge in confusion among people continues as they scramble to buy Monero (XMR) using Bitcoin (BTC), Tether (USDT), or USD Coin (USDC) in the US. With most centralized exchanges dropping Monero as of January 2026, viable options for obtaining this cryptocurrency are dwindling, raising concerns over regulatory measures.
The landscape for trading Monero has tightened significantly. Commenters on user boards are vocal about this dilemma. One noted the irony that while Monero excels in privacyโ"the one crypto that actually does what crypto was supposed to do"โitโs being increasingly sidelined by US regulations, creating roadblocks for regular investors who seek actual financial privacy.
Swap Services: Many suggest TradeOgre and Fujn Swap for trading. "If you really need to buy XMR, swap on a non-KYC exchange like CakeWallet's built-in swap," advised a savvy commenter.
Apps: Cake Wallet remains a standout tool, praised for facilitating BTC or Litecoin (LTC) swaps efficiently.
Peer-to-Peer Options: Platforms such as Haveno or Bisq are recommended for those who prefer $p2p transactions, despite slower processes.
The community is feeling the pressure. "By forcing everyone into these sketchy workarounds, theyโve created the kind of underground market they claim to be preventing," lamented a user. Others express frustration over the lack of choices as they seek privacy-focused services. One user shared their success, exclaiming, "Done!" after using a recommended service.
๐ผ Diminished Choices: Centralized exchanges have increasingly withdrawn Monero from their listings.
๐ Efficient Apps: People appreciate Cake Wallet for its intuitive swapping functionalities.
๐ซ Avoid Exchanges: Many advise against keeping XMR on any listed exchange, citing potential risk if these platforms capitulate under regulatory pressure.
As the regulatory atmosphere becomes more complex, it's expected that users will adapt by exploring decentralized finance options. This shift is likely to lead to an increase in user-friendly swap services tailored for privacy-conscious transactions. With heightened scrutiny and demand for privacy solutions, how will Monero adapt in this new climate?
Experts predict that as regulations tighten, alternative purchase methods for Monero might emerge, compelling a significant portion of tradersโapproximately 60%โto reshape their strategies imminently. With growing interest in decentralized trading, the crypto community may witness the emergence of innovative services designed to counter the restrictions imposed by mainstream exchanges.
The evolution of Monero trading echoes broader trends in digital markets, resembling how music shifted from albums to streaming. Smaller, specialized platforms are leaping ahead by meeting specific user needs, while traditional exchanges are pressured to adapt to the rising demand for privacy and security.