Table of Contents
TL;DR,
- A MyBroadband survey named Luno exchange the 2025 Crypto Exchange of the Year, with nearly 65% of South African traders choosing it for its reliability, security, and ease of use.
- Luno builds trust by being the first FSCA-licensed crypto provider in SA, securing 95% of assets in offline cold storage, and offering independently verified Proof of Reserves.
- In 2025, Luno expanded beyond just trading by launching tokenized US stocks and a payment system that allows users to spend crypto at 700,000 major retailers.
South Africa’s crypto community has judged and decided. According to a MyBroadband survey asking users to rate exchanges on ease of use, reliability, trustworthiness, and overall effectiveness, Luno Exchange topped the list.
Nearly 65% of respondents named the renowned exchange, not based on popularity rather its services, security, and sustained executions have made this particular exchange a favourite. Here’s a dissected look at the crypto exchange view, pointing out why Luno sets the bar for crypto trading in Africa.
A community-powered crypto exchange review: Why Luno Exchange topped the list
Gaining the MyBroadband’s 2025 Crypto Exchange of the Year, relied mainly on asking users to evaluate aspects that traders prefer most. It captured the real-world experience of everyday investors rather than institutional players or high-frequency traders.
For the most part, traders only worry about the kind of tools to assist in trading, the type of assets offered, how safe and secure their assets are, and whether or not the platform will vanish. Nearly two-thirds of respondents converge on a single platform, signalling more than temporary promotions.
Operating since 2013, the Luno exchange is backed by Digital Currency Group, a major investor in the digital asset space with a global portfolio. A major investor already backs its resources, technical support and wide array of services. DCG’s portfolio spans over 200 companies across 35 countries, giving ample market for the exchange
The crypto exchange review combined aspects relevant to longevity and trust. Its dominance is reflected in user feedback emphasizing exceptional customer support, security infrastructure with multiple protective layers, and an unwavering focus on user experience and simplicity.
RELATED: How Luno’s Tokenized Stocks Introduces a New Investment Era for Africa
It’s a reliable crypto trading app for beginners, having a track record for weathering multiple market cycles. The exchange has refined its services through bear markets and bull runs alike, continuously adapting to user needs while maintaining operational stability.
Why Luno is South Africa’s most trusted crypto exchange
What makes Luno safe? Why is it one of, if not the most trusted, crypto exchanges in South Africa? There are numerous reasons. For starters, Luno exchange has always been at the forefront of regulation. In April 2025, Luno became the first dedicated crypto asset service provider to receive a Financial Sector Conduct Authority (FSCA) license under South Africa’s FAIS framework.
After securing the regulatory greenlight, the platform also employs a multi-layered security approach that includes BitGo Custody and Fireblocks integration. This enabled the exchange to store 95% of customer cryptocurrency in multi-signature “deep freeze” cold storage. This means the vast majority of user funds remain offline, inaccessible to potential hackers.
Additionally, its partnership with Moore Audit provides a monthly Proof of Reserves, independently attested using Merkle Tree verification, demonstrating 1:1 backing of customer assets. For Luno, it’s more about proving a verifiable chain of trust, making it the most trusted crypto exchange for beginners, well, according to MyBroadband.
Crypto trading in Africa has become more of a day-to-day activity. At the same time, the trading pools do feature less than global metrics due to fiat value; for some, it’s a form of livelihood. In South Africa, where metrics rival Kenya and Nigeria, having a reliable crypto trading app for beginners sets the bar. Any rigorous crypto exchange review weighs these pillars, licensing, custody security, and transparent reporting, just as much as interface polish. Luno’s win suggests users did exactly that.
RELATED: SARS Eliminates Crypto Anonymity Through CARF Reporting Framework
Why Luno Wins in 2025
In 2025, Luno has had its fair share of wins, contributing to its success. Luno’s 2025 product expansion reveals ambitions beyond simple cryptocurrency trading.
Its recent highlight placed it above its competition. The platform pioneer took on a US stock offering in Africa, launching first in launching first in South Africa (August 2025) with 44 blue-chip stocks, then expanding to Nigeria in September with 60+ equities and ETFs. Over 10,000 South African investors participated in the first month. Investments go as low as $1.13 (R20) in South Africa and $ 0.07(₦100) in Nigeria.
Luno Pay’s expansion to 700,000 South African merchants in October 2025 transformed cryptocurrency from a speculative asset into a practical payment method. Through partnerships with MoneyBadger and integration with the Scan to Pay network, users can now spend their digital assets at major retailers, including Shoprite, Checkers, Pick n Pay, and Dis-Chem. This also includes a 20% cashback in USDT.
In Kenya, the platform timed its June 2025 market relaunch to align with the Virtual Asset Service Providers Bill’s passage through Parliament, demonstrating careful coordination with regulatory development. In Nigeria, Luno actively participated in the Securities and Exchange Commission’s Accelerated Regulatory Incubation Programme throughout 2025, investing over $1,364.00 (₦2 million) in compliance preparation.
Why 65% Chose Luno: The User Experience Advantage
While the can encompasses a small demograph, does speaks volumes over real-world use cases. As a reliable crypto trading app for beginners, Luno puts ease of use first, but not at the expense of functionality. New users can start investing with as little as $1 USD. They can learn about investing through Luno Academy and gain real-world experience by taking small positions. The platform also supports more than 28 cryptocurrencies from around the world, staking services with yields of up to 18%, and now tokenized stocks. This meets the needs of experienced investors without overwhelming new ones.
User reviews always praise customer service, which is something that many exchanges fail at. When technical problems come up or transactions need to be looked into, responsive support turns what could be frustrating into issues that are fixed. This operational excellence, which has lasted for twelve years, builds trust that turns first-time users into long-term advocates.
