Shaping the Next Phase of Web3: Starlabs’s Conversation with Tracy Jin, COO of MEXC

Key Takeaways

• From experiment to institution: The industry is moving toward mainstream adoption, driven by RWA, AI, and rising standards.
• Balancing innovation and safety: User protection and trust remain non-negotiable, even as new products and models emerge.
• Exchanges evolving into infrastructure: Platforms like MEXC are expanding beyond trading to become trusted enablers of the Web3 economy.
• Resilient leadership and culture: Clear priorities, open communication, and empowerment are key to execution in a volatile market.
• Diversity as a growth driver: Women’s participation and leadership will be central to building a more sustainable and inclusive Web3.

The global digital asset industry is entering a new phase. After more than a decade defined by experimentation, volatility, and rapid expansion, the market is steadily transitioning toward a more institutional, regulated, and integrated ecosystem. This shift is not only about technology — it reflects a broader demand from investors, institutions, and regulators for safer, more transparent, and sustainable growth models.

These shifts — from RWA and AI to rising expectations on safety and transparency — are not abstract trends, but forces already reshaping how exchanges operate and compete. In this environment, leadership decisions matter more than ever: how to balance speed with security, growth with protection, and innovation with responsibility.

Several forces are accelerating this evolution:

• Tokenization of Real World Assets (RWA): connecting crypto with traditional financial markets, creating new forms of liquidity and investment opportunities.
  
• Artificial Intelligence: transforming how platforms manage risk, prevent fraud, and deliver personalized user experiences.
  
• Heightened expectations on safety and transparency: as users demand stronger protections for assets and data, while the industry matures into mainstream finance.
  

Together, these dynamics are reshaping the role of exchanges. No longer just venues for spot or derivatives trading, exchanges are increasingly expected to function as comprehensive financial infrastructure — bridging innovation with trust, and digital assets with traditional finance.

It is within this context that Starlabs Consulting’s ‘Disruptors Unplugged’ series continues to spotlight leaders shaping the future of Web3. In this edition, we connected with Tracy Jin, COO of MEXC Exchange, for an in-depth conversation on how exchanges are evolving, how innovation and user protection can be balanced, and how diversity and leadership will shape the industry’s next phase.

I. Macro and Industry Trends

Starlabs Consulting: From your perspective as both an industry observer and a practitioner, how do you see the crypto industry evolving over the next 3–5 years? Do you expect emerging areas such as RWA, AI, and regulatory-driven financialization to become key forces shaping its trajectory?

Tracy Jin: I think in the next few years we’ll see the industry move from being “experimental” to becoming much more institutional. Real World Assets (RWA) will play a critical role by connecting crypto with traditional finance in a tangible way, opening up new channels of liquidity and participation. AI will not only make risk management and trading smarter, but also improve how users interact with platforms day to day. And clearer regulation, though sometimes challenging, will bring the legitimacy that’s needed for broader adoption.

What this really means is that the market will mature — and the players that stand out will be those who can innovate while also building trust and meeting expectations for safety and transparency. Exchanges and projects that find that balance will be best positioned to shape the next phase of Web3’s growth.

Starlabs Consulting: Looking at the underlying logic of the industry, how would you define the core tension in today’s global crypto market? Between security and innovation, where do you see the sharpest trade-offs?

Tracy Jin: The toughest balance in today’s crypto market is between security and innovation. On one side, this industry has always thrived on experimentation — new products, new assets, and new ways of creating value. On the other side, users expect something very fundamental: their assets and data must be safe, and their privacy must be respected.

The sharpest trade-offs usually happen when innovation moves so fast that it risks outpacing the protections users deserve. That’s why at MEXC, we see our role as making sure every new product is built on a foundation of safety and trust. For us, it’s not about choosing between innovation and protection — it’s about doing both, so users can enjoy the benefits of cutting-edge products with confidence.

“At MEXC, we see our role as making sure every new product is built on a foundation of safety and trust. ”
—— Tracy Jin, COO of MEXC Exchange

Starlabs Consulting: Building on that, how do you see the role of exchanges evolving under these trends and tensions? Do you expect the shift from pure trading venues to becoming broader financial infrastructure providers?

Tracy Jin: This tension we just discussed is exactly why exchanges are evolving beyond simple trading venues. Today, exchanges are no longer just about spot or derivatives trading — they’re moving toward becoming broader financial infrastructure. That means offering custody, settlement, and risk management tools, while also serving as a bridge between digital assets and traditional finance. This shift is driven above all by user demand for safer, more integrated services, and by the broader industry trend toward higher standards of transparency and protection.

We already see examples of this transformation. Coinbase, for instance, has developed a diversified service set, while DBS Digital Exchange in Singapore has integrated tokenized securities and RWA products. At MEXC, we’re moving in a similar direction — expanding into RWA listings and strengthening our risk management and user protection frameworks. The long-term goal is to evolve from being a marketplace into becoming a trusted enabler of the broader Web3 economy, where innovation is built on a foundation of safety and user confidence.

II. Security and Risk Management

Starlabs Consulting: AI is increasingly being applied to strengthen security in financial markets. How is MEXC using AI and other measures to protect users and ensure a fair, safe trading environment?

Tracy Jin: Security is the foundation of our platform, and AI now plays a critical role in how we protect users. At MEXC, our risk control system uses AI-driven models to analyze millions of data points — from trading patterns to login behavior — to detect anomalies in real time. When suspicious activity is flagged, the system can automatically restrict high-risk accounts or pause questionable transactions, while more complex cases are escalated to human analysts. This allows us to stop fraudulent activity before it harms users.

Beyond fraud prevention, we also deploy algorithmic tools to identify manipulative practices such as wash trading, spoofing, and coordinated pump-and-dump schemes. These measures not only protect individual users but also preserve fairness and integrity across the marketplace. And because security is also about trust, we’re preparing to launch a new educational initiative to help users better understand our risk controls and learn safe trading practices. 

Our goal is simple: combine advanced technology with transparency so that every user feels confident their assets and data are protected.

Starlabs Consulting: Beyond infrastructure, investor protection is also front of mind for the industry. In your view, how can exchanges strike a dynamic balance between risk prevention and growth?

Tracy Jin:  It’s never an easy trade-off, but our principle is clear: safety comes first. Every new product goes through rigorous risk testing before launch, because user protection is the foundation for long-term growth. At the same time, growth for us isn’t just about volume — it’s about quality. That’s why we invest heavily in user education, helping traders understand risks and make informed choices. When users grow smarter and more confident, the entire ecosystem grows in a healthier and more sustainable way.

III. Organization and Culture

Starlabs Consulting: In such a fast-paced and volatile industry, how do you as COO help your teams maintain resilience under pressure while still delivering consistent execution?

Tracy Jin: Resilience starts with clarity. In an industry where the market can shift overnight, people need to know what really matters and what success looks like. We make sure teams have clear priorities and decision-making frameworks, so even when the environment changes, they don’t feel lost or overwhelmed. Having this structure allows them to act with confidence and stay focused on execution.

The second piece is culture. At MEXC we encourage open communication, and we build a sense of trust that people can raise issues early and propose new ideas without fear. My role is to create an environment where teams feel supported — that leadership has their back when they take initiative. When people know they are both empowered and protected, that’s when resilience really shows up.

IV. Diversity and Women in Leadership

Starlabs Consulting: What kind of opportunities do you think Web3 creates for women?

Tracy Jin: What excites me about Web3 is that it feels more open than many traditional industries. In places like finance or tech, the structures are already very established, and it can be harder for women to break through. But Web3 is still being built, which means women don’t have to fight their way into a closed system — they can get involved early, help shape the rules, and lead from the front.

That’s the real opportunity: women can start companies, design governance models, and build communities from the ground up. It’s rare to see a new industry where the playing field is this open. And that’s why I believe women won’t just take part in Web3 — they’ll help define what it becomes.

Starlabs Consulting: In an industry that blends technology and finance, what unique perspectives or advantages do you think women leaders bring?

Tracy Jin: I think women leaders bring qualities that are particularly valuable in a fast-changing and decentralized space like Web3. They often excel at collaboration and consensus-building, which is critical when you’re working across communities and networks rather than top-down structures. They also tend to bring long-term thinking and a strong focus on building trust — qualities that balance out the short-term risk-taking the industry is sometimes known for.

At the end of the day, Web3 is not just about technology; it’s about people feeling safe, included, and connected. That’s where women leaders can make a lasting impact, by ensuring growth is not only fast, but also sustainable and inclusive.

“The future of Web3 will depend on diversity — and women have to be at the center of that story.”
—— Tracy Jin, COO of MEXC Exchange

V. Future Positioning and Strategy

Starlabs Consulting: Competition among exchanges is increasingly intense, with players differentiating themselves through products, compliance, and global reach. How does MEXC think about its competitive positioning, and what strategic priorities will you focus on to stay ahead in the next phase of growth?

Tracy Jin: Competition is indeed intensifying, and we see that as a healthy sign of the industry’s growth. For MEXC, our positioning has always been about agility and global reach — we move quickly to capture emerging opportunities while maintaining a strong local presence in key markets.

What truly differentiates us, though, is our focus on user pain points. We listen closely to what our users need — whether that’s better liquidity, simpler onboarding, or more educational tools — and use those insights as the starting point for innovation. At the same time, we never compromise on protection. Strong safeguards, transparent processes, and a culture of responsibility are part of what it means to earn and maintain user trust.

Looking ahead, our priorities remain centered on building a platform that is resilient, trusted, and future-ready. That means strengthening safeguards, deepening user protection, and exploring new opportunities where innovation meets real market demand. While I won’t go into specifics, the common thread is clear: we want MEXC to stay one step ahead in delivering value to users while helping shape a safer and more inclusive Web3 ecosystem.

Starlabs Consulting: Finally, if you had to summarize in a single sentence, how would you define MEXC’s aspired role in the future Web3 landscape?

Tracy Jin: If I had to put it in one sentence, I’d say MEXC aspires to be the trusted bridge between innovation and responsibility in Web3. For us, that means enabling growth while making sure security, compliance, and inclusivity are never compromised.

To get there, we’re investing not just in products and markets, but also in education, diversity, and industry standards. Our role is to help shape an ecosystem that’s not only innovative, but also sustainable and trusted by both institutions and individuals. That’s the kind of foundation Web3 needs if it’s going to scale globally.

“MEXC aspires to be the trusted bridge between innovation and responsibility in Web3. For us, that means enabling growth while making sure security, compliance, and inclusivity are never compromised.”
—— Tracy Jin, COO of MEXC Exchange

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About “Disruptors Unplugged”

“Disruptors Unplugged” is a Starlabs Consulting Original series that explores disruptive technology through insightful interviews with influential leaders in Web 3.0 and AI. This series features discussions with CEOs, founders, and co-founders who are central to the industry’s evolution, offering a deep dive into its significant impacts, current trends, and future directions. Aimed at a global audience of tech professionals, entrepreneurs, and enthusiasts, “Disruptors Unplugged” aims to enrich understanding, spark innovation, and drive the global discourse on technological progress, positioning itself as a leading platform for discovering the visionary insights and untold stories that are shaping the future of technology.

About Starlabs Consulting

Starlabs Consulting is a global leader in strategic and marketing consulting for the Web3 industry. Founded in 2018, we specialize in delivering end-to-end solutions across strategic planning, financial advisory, PR and marketing, risk forecasting and management, regulatory and legal compliance, crisis management, and innovation research.

We are committed to helping visionary companies navigate complexity in their growth, marketing, and operations — empowering them to thrive in competitive markets. With deep Web3 expertise and an extensive global network, Starlabs Consulting is the trusted partner of choice for many of the world’s leading crypto exchanges. Our professional team is known for its strategic insight, execution excellence, and unwavering client commitment, earning us a strong reputation across the industry.

Website: https://www.starlabsconsulting.com/