Sarah Chen

Cryptocurrency Research Lead

8+ years in blockchain and cryptocurrency

Certified Blockchain Professional (CBP)MSc Computer Science (Stanford)

About

Sarah Chen is a blockchain researcher and certified crypto analyst who leads BrokerChecker's cryptocurrency exchange and DeFi platform evaluations. With a Master's degree in Computer Science from Stanford, she combines deep technical expertise with a security-first approach to evaluating digital asset platforms. Sarah has published peer-reviewed research on smart contract vulnerabilities and exchange custody practices. Before joining BrokerChecker, she worked as a security auditor for blockchain projects, giving her unique insight into the technical safeguards that separate trustworthy exchanges from high-risk platforms.

Areas of Expertise

Crypto exchangesDeFi platformsBlockchain securitySmart contract auditingDigital asset custody

Published Reviews

Reviews by Sarah

10 reviews

N/A

CryptoMaster Exchange

Crypto ExchangeUnder Investigation

CryptoMaster Exchange is a cryptocurrency trading platform under investigation following numerous user complaints about frozen accounts, unauthorized trades, and withdrawal denials. The platform claims to offer advanced trading features but has no verifiable regulatory registration.

Updated Mar 2026

8.3

Coinbase

Crypto ExchangeRecommended

Coinbase is the largest publicly traded cryptocurrency exchange in the United States, listed on NASDAQ. Known for regulatory compliance, strong security, and ease of use, it is one of the safest on-ramps to cryptocurrency for retail and institutional investors.

Updated Mar 2026

7.2

moomoo (Futu)

BrokerRecommended

moomoo is a trading platform developed by Futu Holdings (NASDAQ: FUTU), offering commission-free US stock trading with professional-grade tools typically reserved for institutional traders. SEC and FINRA regulated through Futu Inc., moomoo provides an impressive feature set for technically-oriented retail traders.

Updated Feb 2026

6.3

Libertex

BrokerUse With Caution

Libertex is a CySEC-regulated CFD broker that uses a commission-based fee model rather than spreads. Part of the Forex Club group with over 25 years of fintech history, Libertex offers a unique pricing structure and a proprietary trading platform alongside MetaTrader, but its association with Forex Club and mixed user reviews warrant caution.

Updated Feb 2026

6.5

OKX

Crypto ExchangeUse With Caution

OKX (formerly OKEx) is a major cryptocurrency exchange operating from Dubai and Seychelles, offering a comprehensive suite of trading products including spot, derivatives, and DeFi services. While its VARA license in Dubai provides some regulatory backing, OKX lacks major Western regulatory licenses.

Updated Feb 2026

6.4

Admirals (Admiral Markets)

BrokerUse With Caution

Admirals (formerly Admiral Markets) is an Estonian-based multi-asset CFD broker regulated by the FCA and CySEC. While it offers a solid MetaTrader-based trading experience with a reasonable range of instruments, its smaller scale, mixed user reviews, and middling fee structure place it in our caution category.

Updated Feb 2026

8.5

E*TRADE (Morgan Stanley)

BrokerRecommended

E*TRADE, now owned by Morgan Stanley, is one of the pioneering online brokerages in the US. With zero-commission trading, the Power E*TRADE platform for active traders, and the backing of one of the world's largest investment banks, E*TRADE offers a premium trading experience for all levels of investors.

Updated Feb 2026

7.9

Bitstamp

Crypto ExchangeRecommended

Bitstamp is one of the longest-running cryptocurrency exchanges in the world, founded in 2011 in Slovenia and now licensed in Luxembourg. Known for its conservative approach to listings, strong European regulation, and institutional-grade infrastructure, Bitstamp is a trusted choice for European crypto traders.

Updated Feb 2026

8.7

Hargreaves Lansdown

BrokerRecommended

Hargreaves Lansdown is the UK's largest investment platform by assets under administration, managing over GBP 150 billion. FCA-regulated and FTSE 250-listed, HL is the gold standard for UK retail investing, offering ISAs, SIPPs, and general investment accounts with exceptional research and customer service.

Updated Feb 2026

7.8

HSBC InvestDirect

OtherRecommended

HSBC InvestDirect is the self-directed investment platform of HSBC, one of the world's largest banking and financial services organizations. FCA-regulated and backed by the HSBC brand, it offers UK investors access to shares, funds, and ETFs through ISAs and general accounts, with the security of a globally systemic bank.

Updated Jan 2026

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