Why Lending/Borrowing Protocols Matter in September 2025

DeFi lending/borrowing protocols let you supply crypto to earn yield or post collateral to borrow assets without an intermediary. That’s the short answer. In 2025, these platforms matter because market cycles are faster, stablecoin yields are competitive with TradFi, and new risk-isolation designs have reduced contagion across assets. If you’re researching the best lending/borrowing protocols for diversified yield or flexible liquidity, this guide is for you—whether you’re a first-time lender, an active degen rotating between chains, or an institution exploring programmatic treasury management. We highlight security posture, liquidity depth, supported assets, fees, and UX. We also note regional considerations where relevant and link only to official sources.

How We Picked (Methodology & Scoring)

• Liquidity (30%): Depth/fragmentation across pools and chains, plus borrow/supply utilization.
  
  
• Security (25%): Audits, bug bounties, incident history, governance safeguards, and transparency.
  
  
• Coverage (15%): Asset breadth, multi-chain reach, stablecoin support.
  
  
• Costs (15%): Rate models, protocol/reserve fees, gas/bridge costs.
  
  
• UX (10%): Clarity of risk, market pages, docs, and integrations.
  
  
• Support (5%): Docs, dev portals, community response.
  
  

We relied on official product/docs and security pages; third-party market datasets (e.g., CCData/Kaiko/CoinGecko) were used only for cross-checks. Last updated September 2025.

Top 10 Lending/Borrowing Protocols in September 2025

1. Aave — Best for Multi-Chain Liquidity at Scale

Why Use It: Aave remains the blue-chip money market with deep, multi-chain liquidity and granular risk controls across markets. Its non-custodial design and battle-tested rate model make it a default “base layer” for supplying majors and borrowing stables. aave.com+2aave.com+2
Best For: ETH/L2 users, stablecoin lenders, sophisticated borrowers, integrators.
Notable Features: Multiple markets and chains; variable/stable borrow rates; robust docs/dev tooling; governance-led risk parameters. aave.com
Consider If: You want the broadest asset access with conservative risk management.
Regions: Global (DeFi; user eligibility varies by jurisdiction).
Fees/Notes: Interest model + protocol reserve; gas/bridge costs apply. aave.com
Alternatives: Compound, Morpho.

2. Compound — Best for Simplicity and Composability

Why Use It: Compound popularized algorithmic interest rates and still offers clean markets and a developer-friendly stack (Compound II/III). For ETH/L2 blue-chips and stables, it’s a straightforward option. compound.finance+1
Best For: ETH mainnet lenders, conservative borrowers, devs needing a stable API/primitive.
Notable Features: Autonomous interest-rate protocol; separate “III” markets; transparent market pages; on-chain governance. compound.finance+1
Consider If: You want a minimal, well-understood money market for majors.
Regions: Global (DeFi; user eligibility varies).
Fees/Notes: Variable rates; protocol reserves; gas applies.
Alternatives: Aave, Spark Lend.

3. Morpho — Best for Efficient, Risk-Scoped Lending (Morpho Blue)

Why Use It: Morpho Blue focuses on trustless, efficient markets with permissionless pair creation and improved capital efficiency. It aims to route lenders/borrowers to “best possible” terms with a narrow, auditable core. morpho.org+2morpho.org+2
Best For: Power users, DeFi funds, integrators optimizing rates, risk-aware lenders.
Notable Features: Morpho Blue minimal core; permissionless markets; lower gas; flexible collateral factors. morpho.org
Consider If: You prioritize rate efficiency and clear risk boundaries.
Regions: Global.
Fees/Notes: Market-specific parameters; gas applies.
Alternatives: Silo Finance, Fraxlend.

4. Spark (SparkLend) — Best for Deep Stablecoin Liquidity via Maker/Sky

Why Use It: SparkLend benefits from direct liquidity provided by Sky (Maker ecosystem), offering transparent, governance-set rates for borrowing USDS/USDC at scale—useful for stablecoin treasuries and market-makers. spark+2spark+2
Best For: Stablecoin borrowers, DAOs/treasuries, conservative lenders focused on stables.
Notable Features: USDS/USDC borrowing at scale; Spark Liquidity Layer; governance-driven rate transparency. spark
Consider If: You want Maker-aligned stablecoin rails with predictable liquidity.
Regions: Global (check local eligibility).
Fees/Notes: Governance-determined parameters; protocol reserves; gas applies.
Alternatives: Aave, Compound.

5. Radiant Capital — Best for Omnichain UX on L2s

Why Use It: Radiant targets cross-chain UX with audited deployments and a community-driven token model—appealing to users active on Arbitrum and other L2s seeking competitive rates and incentives. Radiant Capital
Best For: L2 lenders/borrowers, yield seekers rotating across EVMs.
Notable Features: Multi-audit posture; L2-centric markets; RDNT lockers sharing protocol revenue; incentives. Radiant Capital
Consider If: You’re comfortable with DeFi token incentives and L2 bridging.
Regions: Global.
Fees/Notes: Variable APRs; incentive emissions; gas/bridge costs.
Alternatives: Aave (L2), Silo.

‍

6. Notional — Best for Fixed-Term, Fixed-Rate Lending & Borrowing

Why Use It: Notional offers fixed-rate, fixed-term lending and borrowing, providing users with predictable interest rates and loan durations. This model is particularly appealing to institutional players and long-term investors seeking stability in DeFi markets.

Best For: Institutional borrowers, long-term DeFi investors, and those seeking predictable lending terms.

Notable Features:

• Fixed-rate and fixed-term loans
  
  
• Transparent interest rate models
  
  
• Supports a wide range of assets
  
  
• User-friendly interface
  
  

Consider If: You prefer the certainty of fixed rates and terms in your lending and borrowing activities.

Regions: Global

Fees/Notes: Fees vary based on loan terms and asset type.

Alternatives: Aave, Compound, Morpho

‍

7. Venus Protocol — Best for BNB Chain Liquidity

Why Use It: Venus is the leading money market on BNB Chain, offering broad asset coverage and deep stablecoin pools for users anchored to that ecosystem. It emphasizes security practices and transparency to support its large user base. venus.io+1
Best For: BNB Chain lenders/borrowers, yield strategists, BSC-native projects.
Notable Features: Multichain money market positioning; active governance; security resources. venus.io
Consider If: You are primarily on BNB Chain and need depth.
Regions: Global.
Fees/Notes: Variable APRs; protocol reserves; chain gas fees.
Alternatives: Aave (BSC deployments where available), Radiant.

8. Solend — Best for Solana Speed & Fees

Why Use It: On Solana, Solend is the go-to autonomous money market with many asset pools and fast, low-fee transactions. It’s well suited for active traders and stablecoin lenders who want Solana performance. solend.fi+1
Best For: Solana users, stablecoin lenders, active borrowers hedging perps/DEX LP.
Notable Features: Dozens of pools; developer portal; bug bounty; investor backing. solend.fi
Consider If: You want low fees and high throughput on SOL.
Regions: Global.
Fees/Notes: Variable APRs; Solana fees are minimal but apply.
Alternatives: Kamino Lend (Solana), Aave (EVM).

9. JustLend DAO — Best for TRON-Native Markets

Why Use It: JustLend is TRON’s flagship money market, supporting TRX, USDT, and other TRC-20 assets with competitive rates and growing DAO governance. It’s a practical option for users embedded in the TRON ecosystem. JustLend DAO+1
Best For: TRON users, USDT lenders on TRON, TRX stakers (sTRX).
Notable Features: TRON integration; sTRX staking module; active on-chain proposals. app.justlend.org+1
Consider If: You primarily hold TRC-20s and want native UX.
Regions: Global (note regional availability of TRON gateways).
Fees/Notes: Variable APRs; TRON gas is low.
Alternatives: Venus (BSC), Aave (EVM).

10. Silo Finance — Best for Risk-Isolated Money Markets

Why Use It: Silo builds isolated markets (“silos”) so lenders bear only the risk of the market they choose—reducing cross-asset contagion seen in shared pools. Helpful for long-tail assets under tighter risk parameters. Silo Finance+2Silopedia+2
Best For: Risk-aware lenders, long-tail asset communities, L2 users.
Notable Features: Isolated pairs; transparent docs; multi-chain deployments; active governance. silodocs2.netlify.app
Consider If: You want clear compartmentalization of risk per asset.
Regions: Global.
Fees/Notes: Market-specific rates; gas/bridge costs.
Alternatives: Morpho, Fraxlend.

Decision Guide: Best By Use Case

• Regulated U.S. access (self-serve DeFi): Aave, Compound. aave.com+1
  
  
• Global liquidity depth: Aave, Compound, Spark. compound.finance+1
  
  
• Stablecoin-centric borrowing: Spark, Aave. spark
  
  
• Risk-isolation for long-tail assets: Silo, Morpho, Fraxlend. Silopedia+2morpho.org+2
  
  
• L2-first yield rotation: Radiant, Aave (L2 markets). Radiant Capital
  
  
• Solana speed/fees: Solend. solend.fi
  
  
• BNB Chain natives: Venus. venus.io
  
  
• TRON ecosystem: JustLend. JustLend DAO
  
  

How to Choose the Right Lending/Borrowing Protocol (Checklist)

• Verify audits, bug bounties, and incident reports on official docs.
  
  
• Check asset coverage and liquidity depth for your pairs.
  
  
• Understand rate models, reserves, and any protocol fees.
  
  
• Confirm chain costs (gas/bridging) and wallet support.
  
  
• Evaluate risk isolation vs. shared pools; match to your collateral.
  
  
• Prefer transparent governance and live market dashboards.
  
  
• Red flags: opaque documentation, paused markets without detail, or unaudited contracts.
  
  

Use Token Metrics With Any Lending/Borrowing Protocol

• AI Ratings to screen assets and protocols by risk/quality.

• Narrative Detection to spot trending ecosystems (e.g., L2s, Solana).
  
  
• Portfolio Optimization to balance stable yields vs. volatile collateral.
  
  
• Alerts/Signals to monitor entries, exits, and funding shifts.
  Workflow: Research on Token Metrics → Select protocol/markets → Execute on the protocol → Monitor with TM alerts.

Primary CTA: Start free trial

Security & Compliance Tips

• Use hardware wallets and enable 2FA where relevant (for front-ends).
  
  
• Keep collateral and borrow assets on separate wallets when possible.
  
  
• Respect KYC/AML requirements of any off-ramp or custodial touchpoints.
  
  
• Monitor health factor / LTV; set alerts for liquidations.
  
  
• Prefer audited markets and read parameter pages before depositing.
  
  

This article is for research/education, not financial advice.

Beginner Mistakes to Avoid

• Borrowing volatile assets against volatile collateral without buffers.
  
  
• Ignoring oracle and liquidity risks on long-tail markets.
  
  
• Bridging large sums without test transactions.
  
  
• Chasing emissions without evaluating lockups and exit liquidity.
  
  
• Overlooking governance changes that alter risk parameters.
  
  

FAQs

What is a DeFi lending/borrowing protocol?
A smart-contract system that lets users supply assets to earn interest or post collateral to borrow other assets, typically overcollateralized with algorithmic rates.

How do variable and stable borrow rates differ?
Variable rates change with utilization; stable/“fixed” rates are more predictable but can reprice under specific conditions. Always check the protocol’s docs.

Are isolated markets safer than shared pools?
They can reduce cross-asset contagion by containing risk to one market, but you still face collateral, oracle, and liquidation risks.

Which chains are best for low-fee lending?
Solana and several L2s (e.g., Arbitrum, Optimism, Base) offer lower fees than mainnet. Choose based on assets, liquidity, and tooling.

How much collateral should I post?
Many borrowers keep a conservative buffer (e.g., target health factor well above minimum), especially in volatile markets; tailor to your risk tolerance.

Can institutions use these protocols?
Yes—many funds and DAOs integrate with major money markets, often via smart-contract wallets and custom monitors.

Conclusion + Related Reads

If you want breadth and depth, start with Aave or Compound. If you’re optimizing stablecoin flows, Spark stands out. For isolated-risk, asset-specific strategies, Morpho, Silo, and Fraxlend are strong fits. Solana, TRON, and BNB users should look to Solend, JustLend, and Venus respectively. Pick based on chain, risk, and the collateral you actually hold.

Related Reads:

• Best Cryptocurrency Exchanges 2025
  
  
• Top Derivatives Platforms 2025
  
  
• Top Institutional Custody Providers 2025
  
  

Sources & Update Notes

We reviewed official app/docs pages, security/audit resources, governance and market pages for each protocol. Third-party datasets were used only to cross-check volumes/liquidity. Updated September 2025 to reflect current markets and docs.

• Aave: Homepage; Docs; Help: Borrowing. aave.com+2aave.com+2
  
  
• Compound: Homepage; Markets; Governance pages. compound.finance+2compound.finance+2
  
  
• Morpho: Homepage; Morpho Blue blog/whitepaper summary; App (Earn/Borrow). app.morpho.org+3morpho.org+3morpho.org+3
  
  
• Spark: Homepage (SparkLend); Borrow page; Maker/Sky launch reference. spark+2spark+2
  
  
• Radiant Capital: Official site security/audit notes. Radiant Capital
  
  
• Fraxlend: Frax site/app; Docs; GitHub. GitHub+3frax.finance+3app.frax.finance+3
  
  
• Venus: Site/app and resources. venus.io+1
  
  
• Solend: Site/dashboard. solend.fi+1
  
  
• JustLend: Official site/app modules; TRON ecosystem pages. JustLend DAO+2app.justlend.org+2
  
  
• Silo Finance: Site; Docs (risk-isolation concepts). Silo Finance+2Silopedia+2
  
  

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Why crypto tax reporting & portfolio reconciliation software Matters in September 2025

Crypto taxes are messy—DeFi, NFTs, cross-chain bridges, airdrops, staking, and perpetuals all create taxable events. The best crypto tax software helps you import everything, reconcile cost basis, and generate compliant reports (e.g., IRS Form 8949/Schedule D) in minutes. In one line: crypto tax software is a tool that ingests your on-chain and exchange data and produces compliant tax reports for your jurisdiction.
In 2025, new broker reporting rules and evolving national guidance raise the stakes for accuracy. This guide prioritizes global coverage, robust reconciliations for DeFi/NFTs, and clear pricing. Whether you’re a retail investor, active DeFi/NFT trader, or a tax pro, you’ll find vetted options below, plus a quick decision map and setup checklist. (See Sources section for official docs cited.)

How We Picked (Methodology & Scoring)

• What we scored (weights): Scale & data handling (30% liquidity/coverage in practice—can it ingest many venues at volume?), Security (25%) including 2FA, data handling, disclosures; Coverage (15%) of assets/DeFi/NFTs/chains; Costs (15%) (transparent plans, value at higher tx counts); UX (10%) (import helpers, error resolution); Support (5%) (tax-pro help, chat, docs).
  
  
• Data sources: Official product and security pages, pricing and docs; limited cross-checks with widely cited market datasets for context. We do not rely on affiliate reviews.
  
  
• Freshness: Last updated September 2025; we noted regional changes (e.g., deprecations/partnerships) from official announcements. Koinly+2ZenLedger+2
  
  

Top 10 crypto tax reporting & portfolio reconciliation software in September 2025

1. Koinly — Best for fast setup across 20+ countries

{

 "name":"Koinly",

 "url":"https://koinly.io/",

 "tagline":"Best for fast setup across 20+ countries",

 "why_use_it":"Polished imports, broad exchange/wallet support, and clean reports you can hand to your CPA. Strong retail UX with preview-before-pay and ready-made IRS forms. Good balance of speed and depth for DeFi/NFTs.",

 "best_for":"Retail investors; casual DeFi users; U.S., EU & APAC filers needing standard forms",

 "notable_features":["Free preview of gains","Form 8949 & Schedule D exports","Integrations for major exchanges/wallets"],

 "fees_notes":"Free preview; paid tiers scale by transaction count.",

 "regions":"Global",

 "alternatives":["CoinLedger","CoinTracker"]

}

‍

Key facts per official site: global availability, free preview, IRS forms. Koinly+1

2. CoinLedger — Best for U.S. filers who want simple, fast forms

{

 "name":"CoinLedger",

 "url":"https://coinledger.io/",

 "tagline":"Best for U.S. filers who want simple, fast forms",

 "why_use_it":"Straightforward import flow with strong U.S. forms and helpful education. Good DeFi/NFT coverage for most retail needs without overcomplicating the setup.",

 "best_for":"U.S. filers; creators/traders mixing CEX, NFTs, staking; DIY with CPA handoff",

 "notable_features":["Instant tax forms","DeFi & NFT support","Unlimited revisions"],

 "fees_notes":"Tiered by transaction count; unlimited wallets/exchanges supported.",

 "regions":"US/Global",

 "alternatives":["Koinly","CryptoTaxCalculator"]

}

‍

Highlights: instant forms, DeFi/NFT support, pricing by report tier. CoinLedger+1

3. CoinTracker — Best portfolio + tax combo

{

 "name":"CoinTracker",

 "url":"https://www.cointracker.io/",

 "tagline":"Best portfolio + tax combo",

 "why_use_it":"Combines strong portfolio tracking with tax reporting and broad integrations. Good fit if you want year-round tracking and tax filing in one place.",

 "best_for":"Buy-and-hold investors; multi-exchange users; Coinbase ecosystem",

 "notable_features":["Portfolio + tax in one","TurboTax & H&R Block export","Free tax calculator"],

 "fees_notes":"Free plan + multiple paid tiers based on transaction counts and features.",

 "regions":"Global",

 "alternatives":["CoinTracking","Koinly"]

}

‍

References: portfolio/tax plans; free 2025 tax calculator. cointracker.io+1

4. CryptoTaxCalculator — Best for DeFi/NFT power users

{

 "name":"CryptoTaxCalculator",

 "url":"https://cryptotaxcalculator.io/",

 "tagline":"Best for DeFi/NFT power users",

 "why_use_it":"Known for granular on-chain parsing (contracts, smart labels) and robust inventory methods. Clear U.S. guide coverage plus deep international docs.",

 "best_for":"Heavy DeFi/NFT traders; cross-chain users; Coinbase users wanting discounts",

 "notable_features":["Advanced DeFi categorization","Multiple inventory methods (FIFO/LIFO/HIFO)","Tax loss harvesting tools"],

 "fees_notes":"Free import/preview; pay for reports and advanced tools; tiers by tx count.",

 "regions":"Global (strong US/AU/EU support)",

 "alternatives":["CoinLedger","Coinpanda"]

}

‍

See pricing & free-trial notes; U.S. 2025 guide and integrations. Coinbase Help+3Crypto Tax Calculator+3Crypto Tax Calculator+3

5. ZenLedger — Best for tax-pro assistance on demand

{

 "name":"ZenLedger",

 "url":"https://zenledger.io/",

 "tagline":"Best for tax-pro assistance on demand",

 "why_use_it":"DIY software plus optional tax strategy consults and filing assistance. Solid reporting with emphasis on loss harvesting and a unified spreadsheet view.",

 "best_for":"U.S. filers; users wanting hands-on help; mixed income (staking/mining)",

 "notable_features":["Tax loss harvesting tool","Grand Unified Spreadsheet","In-house tax services"],

 "fees_notes":"Free tier available; premium plans and paid consults/tax filing.",

 "regions":"US/Global",

 "alternatives":["TokenTax","Koinly"]

}

‍

Features & services from official pages. ZenLedger+2ZenLedger+2

6. TokenTax — Best full-service + complex reconciliations

{

 "name":"TokenTax",

 "url":"https://tokentax.co/",

 "tagline":"Best full-service + complex reconciliations",

 "why_use_it":"Hybrid model: powerful software plus CPAs who will reconcile edge cases (bridges, LPs, DEX fees). Plans scale up to white-glove VIP with audit support.",

 "best_for":"Active traders; complex DeFi; high-net-worth; back-tax cleanups",

 "notable_features":["CPA-backed filing","Advanced accounting methods (FIFO/LIFO/HIFO)","Enterprise & VIP options"],

 "fees_notes":"Multiple tiers from DIY to VIP; enterprise custom pricing.",

 "regions":"Global",

 "alternatives":["ZenLedger","Ledgible"]

}

‍

Plans & accounting methods per official site. TokenTax+2TokenTax+2

7. Coinpanda — Best for multi-country filers

{

 "name":"Coinpanda",

 "url":"https://coinpanda.io/",

 "tagline":"Best for multi-country filers",

 "why_use_it":"Strong global coverage (65+ countries) and exports for local forms. Handy if you moved jurisdictions or need non-U.S. reports alongside IRS forms.",

 "best_for":"Expats; EU/APAC filers; users juggling multiple tax regimes",

 "notable_features":["Country-specific reports","IRS Form 8949 & Schedule D","Broad exchange/wallet support"],

 "fees_notes":"Pricing tiers by transaction count; free to try.",

 "regions":"Global (65+ countries)",

 "alternatives":["Blockpit","CryptoTaxCalculator"]

}

‍

Coverage and report exports per official pages. Coinpanda+2Coinpanda+2

8. Ledgible — Best for tax professionals & firms

{

 "name":"Ledgible",

 "url":"https://ledgible.io/",

 "tagline":"Best for tax professionals & firms",

 "why_use_it":"Built for tax pros with client billing, pro dashboards, and accounting integrations. Good bridge between retail clients and professional software workflows.",

 "best_for":"CPAs/EAs; multi-client firms; advanced retail users with a pro",

 "notable_features":["Pro portal & client billing","1099/8949/Schedule D outputs","Accounting/ERP integrations"],

 "fees_notes":"Pro portal free; clients pay per-report (customizable).",

 "regions":"US/Global",

 "alternatives":["TokenTax","CoinTracker"]

}

‍

Professional focus and pricing model per official site. Ledgible+1

9. CoinTracking — Best for data nerds & long-time traders

{

 "name":"CoinTracking",

 "url":"https://cointracking.info/",

 "tagline":"Best for data nerds & long-time traders",

 "why_use_it":"One of the longest-running portfolio + tax tools with deep historical imports and flexible reports. Appeals to users with large archives and custom CSVs.",

 "best_for":"Power users; traders with legacy data; hybrid hodlers/traders",

 "notable_features":["300+ exchange/wallet imports","DeFi/NFT support","Detailed tax and performance reports"],

 "fees_notes":"Free tier + paid plans; supports many jurisdictions.",

 "regions":"Global",

 "alternatives":["CoinTracker","Coinpanda"]

}

‍

Core claims from official product pages. cointracking.info+1

10. Blockpit — Best for Europe & Accointing migrations

{

 "name":"Blockpit",

 "url":"https://www.blockpit.io/",

 "tagline":"Best for Europe & Accointing migrations",

 "why_use_it":"EU-focused platform with clear U.S. support and a streamlined migration path from Accointing (which sunset in 2024). Good documentation and transparent pricing.",

 "best_for":"EU users; ex-Accointing users; mixed CEX+DeFi portfolios",

 "notable_features":["Accointing migration","IRS-aligned U.S. reports","Mobile app & portfolio tracking"],

 "fees_notes":"Free tracking; paid tax reports tiered by transactions.",

 "regions":"EU/US (Global coverage increasing)",

 "alternatives":["Coinpanda","CryptoTaxCalculator"]

}

‍

Accointing migration + pricing and U.S. alignment per official pages. Blockpit+3Blockpit Helpcenter+3Blockpit+3

Decision Guide: Best By Use Case

• Quick U.S. filing, simple stack: CoinLedger or Koinly
  
  
• Year-round portfolio + taxes in one: CoinTracker or CoinTracking
  
  
• Heavy DeFi/NFTs or complex on-chain: CryptoTaxCalculator or TokenTax (full service)
  
  
• Tax pro / multi-client firm: Ledgible
  
  
• Multi-country reporting (EU/APAC): Coinpanda or Blockpit
  
  
• Migrating from Accointing: Blockpit
  
  
• Want audit support / VIP: TokenTax
  
  

How to Choose the Right crypto tax reporting & portfolio reconciliation software (Checklist)

• Jurisdiction & forms: Does it export the forms you need (e.g., IRS 8949/Schedule D; HMRC; ATO)?
  
  
• Integrations & coverage: Wallets, exchanges, chains, DeFi protocols, NFTs you actually use.
  
  
• Reconciliation depth: Handles bridges, LP removals, MEV, staking rewards, airdrops, and fees correctly.
  
  
• Cost model: Transactions-based tiers vs. flat; consider your volume this year and next.
  
  
• UX & error fixing: Clear warnings, duplicate detection, missing cost-basis tools.
  
  
• Security: 2FA, read-only API keys, data retention controls.
  
  
• Support: CPA access, pro plans, or community docs.
  
  
• Red flags: No recent updates; vague pricing; no exportable audit trail.
  
  

Use Token Metrics With Any crypto tax reporting & portfolio reconciliation software

• AI Ratings to screen coins and reduce churn trading.

• Narrative Detection to spot momentum before it hits your P&L.
  
  
• Portfolio Optimization to size positions intelligently.
  
  
• Alerts/Signals to avoid taxable churn and plan harvest windows.
  Workflow: Research in Token Metrics → Select provider above → Import/sync & reconcile → Monitor with TM alerts.

Primary CTA: Start free trial.

Security & Compliance Tips

• Enable 2FA; use read-only API keys; revoke old keys.
  
  
• Keep a wallet hygiene routine (label internal transfers, track bridges and gas).
  
  
• Maintain off-exchange backups of CSVs and address lists.
  
  
• Follow KYC/AML rules at your provider; understand 1099/DA broker reporting starting in 2025. TurboTax
  
  

This article is for research/education, not financial advice.

Beginner Mistakes to Avoid

• Treating transfers as taxable sales (fix with proper labeling).
  
  
• Ignoring fees and LP add/remove entries (cost basis breaks).
  
  
• Mixing personal and business wallets without tagging.
  
  
• Waiting until April—fixing mismatches takes time.
  
  
• Relying on a single source export (always keep on-chain + CEX records).
  
  

FAQs

What is crypto tax software?
It’s software that aggregates your exchange, wallet, and on-chain activity to calculate cost basis and produce compliant tax forms for your jurisdiction. Most tools support IRS Form 8949/Schedule D in the U.S. and local equivalents elsewhere.

How do I file crypto taxes with software?

1. Connect exchanges/wallets with read-only APIs or public addresses; 2) Import CSVs for gaps; 3) Review warnings/missing cost basis; 4) Generate forms and file directly or export to TurboTax/your CPA. Most tools offer a free preview before you pay. Koinly
   
   

Which crypto tax app is best for DeFi/NFTs?
CryptoTaxCalculator, TokenTax (with pro help), and Coinpanda have strong DeFi/NFT coverage. Choose based on your chains/protocols and whether you want full-service support. Crypto Tax Calculator+2TokenTax+2

What changed for 2025 U.S. crypto taxes?
Broker reporting (Form 1099-DA) begins for the 2025 tax year, expanding third-party information reporting. You still must report all crypto disposals even without a form. TurboTax

Can I use TurboTax with these tools?
Yes—most export to TurboTax/H&R Block or generate importable files. If you only used one exchange (e.g., Coinbase), you may be able to file directly; multi-platform activity benefits from a dedicated crypto tax app. cointracker.io+1

Is Crypto.com Tax still available?
No. Crypto.com deprecated its free tax tool in June 2024 and now partners with Koinly and TokenTax. Crypto.com Help Center

Conclusion + Related Reads

If you want fast, reliable filing, start with Koinly or CoinLedger. Need portfolio + tax together? Try CoinTracker or CoinTracking. For complex DeFi/NFTs, pick CryptoTaxCalculator or full-service TokenTax. Multi-country or EU-heavy? Coinpanda or Blockpit. Tax pros and firms should consider Ledgible.
Related Reads:

• Best Cryptocurrency Exchanges 2025
  
  
• Top Derivatives Platforms 2025
  
  
• Top Institutional Custody Providers 2025
  
  

Sources & Update Notes

We reviewed official product, pricing, guides, and security pages for each provider; we avoided third-party reviews for claims. Updated September 2025.

• Koinly — Home & Pricing pages. Koinly+1
  
  
• CoinLedger — Home & Pricing. CoinLedger+1
  
  
• CoinTracker — Home, Plans, Tax Calculator. cointracker.io+2cointracker.io+2
  
  
• CryptoTaxCalculator — US page, Pricing, US Tax Guide, Integrations notes. Crypto Tax Calculator+3Crypto Tax Calculator+3Crypto Tax Calculator+3
  
  
• ZenLedger — Home, Services, Filing pages. ZenLedger+2ZenLedger+2
  
  
• TokenTax — Home, Pricing, Accounting Methods guide. TokenTax+2TokenTax+2
  
  
• Coinpanda — Home, Pricing/Reports, Country coverage. Coinpanda+2Coinpanda+2
  
  
• Ledgible — Home, Pricing/Pro. Ledgible+1
  
  
• CoinTracking — Home & Tax report pages. cointracking.info+1
  
  
• Blockpit — Home, Pricing, Accointing migration & product updates. Blockpit+3Blockpit+3Blockpit+3
  
  

Context: TurboTax crypto changes; Crypto.com Tax deprecation; Coinbase discounts page. TurboTax+2Crypto.com Help Center+2

Why crypto compliance, KYC/AML & blockchain analytics vendors Matters in September 2025

If you operate an exchange, wallet, OTC desk, or DeFi on-ramp, choosing the right KYC/AML providers can be the difference between smooth growth and painful remediation. In 2025, regulators continue to tighten enforcement (Travel Rule, sanctions screening, transaction monitoring), while criminals get more sophisticated across bridges, mixers, and multi-chain hops. This guide shortlists ten credible vendors that help crypto businesses verify users, monitor wallets and transactions, and comply with global rules.
Definition (snippet): KYC/AML providers are companies that deliver identity verification, sanctions/PEP screening, blockchain analytics, transaction monitoring, and Travel Rule tooling so crypto businesses can meet regulatory obligations and reduce financial crime risk.

SECONDARY_KEYWORDS woven below: crypto compliance, blockchain analytics, transaction monitoring, Travel Rule.

How We Picked (Methodology & Scoring)

• What we scored (weights): Market adoption & scale (liquidity 30 as a proxy for coverage & volume handled), security posture 25 (audits, data protection, regulatory alignment), coverage 15 (chains, assets, jurisdictions), costs 15 (pricing transparency, efficiency), UX 10 (API, case mgmt., automation), support 5 (docs, SLAs).
  
  
• Data sources: Only official product pages, security/trust centers, and documentation; widely cited market datasets used only to cross-check asset/chain coverage. “Last updated September 2025.” Chainalysis+2TRM Labs+2
  
  

Top 10 crypto compliance, KYC/AML & blockchain analytics vendors in September 2025

1. Chainalysis — Best for cross-chain transaction risk & investigations

Why Use It: Chainalysis KYT and Reactor pair broad chain/token coverage with real-time risk scoring and deep investigative tooling. If you need automated alerts on deposits/withdrawals and the ability to trace through bridges/mixers/DEXs, it’s a proven, regulator-recognized stack.
Best For: Centralized exchanges, custodians, banks with crypto exposure, law enforcement teams.
Notable Features: Real-time KYT alerts • Cross-chain tracing • Case management & APIs • Attribution datasets.
Consider If: You want an enterprise-grade standard and investigator workflows under one roof.
Alternatives: TRM Labs, Elliptic. Chainalysis+1
Regions: Global • Fees/Notes: Quote-based, volume/seat tiers.

2. TRM Labs — Best for fast-moving threat intel & sanctions coverage

Why Use It: TRM’s transaction monitoring taps a large, fast-growing database of illicit activity and extends screening beyond official lists to include threat actor footprints on-chain. Strong coverage and practical APIs make it easy to plug into existing case systems.
Best For: Exchanges, payment processors, fintechs expanding into web3, risk teams that need flexible rules.
Notable Features: Real-time monitoring • Sanctions & threat actor intelligence • Case mgmt. integrations • Multi-chain coverage.
Consider If: You prioritize dynamic risk models and frequent list updates.
Alternatives: Chainalysis, Elliptic. TRM Labs+1
Regions: Global • Fees/Notes: Enterprise contracts; volume-based.

3. Elliptic — Best for scalable wallet screening at exchange scale

Why Use It: Elliptic’s Lens and Screening solutions streamline wallet/transaction checks with chain-agnostic coverage and audit-ready workflows. It’s built for high-volume screening with clean APIs and strong reporting for regulators and internal audit.
Best For: CEXs, payment companies, institutional custody, risk ops needing bulk screening.
Notable Features: Wallet & TX screening • Cross-chain risk detection • Audit trails • Customer analytics.
Consider If: You need mature address screening and large-scale throughput.
Alternatives: Chainalysis, TRM Labs. Elliptic+1
Regions: Global • Fees/Notes: Quote-based; discounts by volume.

4. ComplyAdvantage — Best for sanctions/PEP/adverse media screening in crypto

Why Use It: An AML data powerhouse for KYC and ongoing monitoring that many crypto companies use to meet screening obligations and reduce false positives. Strong watchlist coverage, adverse media, and continuous monitoring help you satisfy banking partners and auditors.
Best For: Exchanges and fintechs that want robust sanctions/PEP data plus transaction monitoring.
Notable Features: Real-time sanctions & watchlists • Ongoing monitoring • Payment screening • Graph analysis.
Consider If: You want a single vendor for screening + monitoring alongside your analytics stack.
Alternatives: Jumio (Screening), Sumsub. ComplyAdvantage+1
Regions: Global • Fees/Notes: Tiered enterprise pricing.

5. Sumsub — Best all-in-one KYC/KYB + crypto monitoring

Why Use It: Crypto-focused onboarding with liveness, documents, KYB, Travel Rule support, and transaction monitoring—plus in-house legal experts to interpret changing rules. Good for teams that need to orchestrate identity checks and AML controls in one flow.
Best For: Global exchanges, NFT/DeFi ramps, high-growth startups entering new markets.
Notable Features: KYC/KYB • Watchlists/PEPs • Device intelligence • Crypto TX monitoring • Case management.
Consider If: You want one vendor for identity + AML + Travel Rule workflow.
Alternatives: Jumio, ComplyAdvantage. Sumsub+1
Regions: Global • Fees/Notes: Per-verification & volume tiers.

6. Jumio — Best for enterprise-grade identity + AML screening

Why Use It: Jumio combines biometric KYC with automated AML screening (PEPs/sanctions) and ongoing monitoring. Its “KYX” approach provides identity insights across the customer lifecycle, helping reduce fraud while keeping onboarding friction reasonable.
Best For: Regulated exchanges, banks, brokerages with strict KYC/AML controls.
Notable Features: Biometric verification • PEPs/sanctions screening • Ongoing monitoring • Single-API platform.
Consider If: You need global coverage and battle-tested uptime/SLA.
Alternatives: Sumsub, Onfido (not listed). Jumio+1
Regions: Global • Fees/Notes: Custom enterprise pricing.

7. Notabene — Best end-to-end Travel Rule platform

Why Use It: Notabene focuses on pre-transaction decisioning, counterparty VASP due diligence, and sanctions screening across multiple Travel Rule protocols. It’s purpose-built for crypto compliance teams facing enforcement of FATF Recommendation 16.
Best For: Exchanges, custodians, and B2B payment platforms needing Travel Rule at scale.
Notable Features: Pre-TX checks • Counterparty VASP verification • Multi-protocol messaging • Jurisdictional rules engine.
Consider If: Your regulators or banking partners expect full Travel Rule compliance today.
Alternatives: Shyft Veriscope, 21 Analytics. Notabene+1
Regions: Global • Fees/Notes: Annual + usage components.

8. Shyft Network Veriscope — Best decentralized, interoperable Travel Rule messaging

Why Use It: Veriscope provides decentralized VASP discovery, secure VASP-to-VASP PII exchange, and “sunrise issue” lookback to help during uneven global rollouts. Pay-as-you-go pricing can be attractive for newer programs.
Best For: Global VASPs that want decentralized discovery and interoperability.
Notable Features: Auto VASP discovery • Secure PII transfer (no central PII storage) • Lookback support • Interoperability.
Consider If: You prefer decentralized architecture and usage-based pricing.
Alternatives: Notabene, 21 Analytics. shyft.network+1
Regions: Global • Fees/Notes: Pay-as-you-go; no setup fees. shyft.network

9. Merkle Science — Best for predictive blockchain risk analytics

Why Use It: Merkle Science’s platform emphasizes predictive risk modeling and DeFi/smart contract forensics, helping compliance teams see beyond static address tags. Good complement when you monitor emerging chains and token types.
Best For: Exchanges and protocols active in DeFi, new L1/L2 ecosystems, or smart-contract risk.
Notable Features: Predictive risk scores • DeFi & contract forensics • Case tooling • API integrations.
Consider If: You need analytics tuned for newer protocols and token standards.
Alternatives: Chainalysis, TRM Labs. merklescience.com+1
Regions: Global • Fees/Notes: Quote-based enterprise pricing.

10. Scorechain — Best EU-born analytics with audit-ready reporting

Why Use It: Based in Luxembourg, Scorechain offers risk scoring, transaction monitoring, and reporting designed to fit EU frameworks—useful for MiCA/TFR-aligned programs. Teams like the straightforward reporting exports for audits and regulators.
Best For: EU-focused exchanges, neobanks, and tokenization platforms.
Notable Features: Risk scoring • Transaction monitoring • Audit-ready reports • Tools for Travel Rule workflows.
Consider If: Your footprint is primarily EU and you want EU-centric vendor DNA.
Alternatives: Crystal (EU), Elliptic. Scorechain+1
Regions: EU/Global • Fees/Notes: Enterprise licenses; fixed and usage options.

Decision Guide: Best By Use Case

• Regulated U.S. exchange: Chainalysis, TRM Labs
  
  
• Global wallet screening at scale: Elliptic
  
  
• Enterprise KYC + AML screening combo: Jumio, Sumsub
  
  
• Travel Rule (end-to-end ops): Notabene
  
  
• Travel Rule (decentralized, pay-as-you-go): Shyft Veriscope
  
  
• DeFi/smart-contract forensics: Merkle Science
  
  
• EU-centric programs / audit exports: Scorechain
  
  
• Sanctions/PEP data depth: ComplyAdvantage
  
  

How to Choose the Right crypto compliance, KYC/AML & blockchain analytics vendors (Checklist)

• Jurisdiction & licensing: Confirm the vendor supports your countries and regulator expectations (e.g., FATF R.16 Travel Rule).
  
  
• Coverage: Chains/tokens you touch today and plan to touch in 12–18 months.
  
  
• Identity depth: Liveness, device checks, KYB for entities, ongoing monitoring.
  
  
• Analytics & monitoring: Risk models, false-positive rate, sanctions coverage cadence.
  
  
• APIs & workflow: Case management, alert triage, audit trails, BI exports.
  
  
• Costs: Pricing model (per-verification, per-alert, or pay-as-you-go).
  
  
• Security: Data handling, PII minimization, breach history, regional data residency.
  
  
• Red flags: “Black box” risk scores without documentation; no audit logs.
  
  

Use Token Metrics With Any crypto compliance, KYC/AML & blockchain analytics vendors

• AI Ratings: Screen assets and spot structural risks before you list.

• Narrative Detection: Track shifts that correlate with on-chain risk trends.
  
  
• Portfolio Optimization: Balance exposure as assets pass compliance checks.
  
  
• Alerts & Signals: Monitor entries/exits once assets are approved.
  Workflow: Research vendors → Select/implement → List/enable assets → Monitor with Token Metrics alerts.

 Primary CTA: Start a free trial of Token Metrics.

Security & Compliance Tips

• Enforce 2FA and role-based access for compliance consoles.
  
  
• Separate PII from blockchain telemetry; minimize retention.
  
  
• Implement Travel Rule pre-transaction checks where required. FATF
  
  
• Test sanctions list update cadences and backfill behavior.
  
  
• Document SAR/STR processes and case handoffs.
  
  

This article is for research/education, not financial advice.

Beginner Mistakes to Avoid

• Picking a vendor with great KYC but no Travel Rule path.
  
  
• Ignoring chain/token roadmaps—coverage gaps appear later.
  
  
• Under-investing in case management/audit trails.
  
  
• Relying solely on address tags without behavior analytics.
  
  
• Not budgeting for ongoing monitoring (alerts grow with volume).
  
  

FAQs

What’s the difference between KYC and KYT (Know Your Transaction)?
KYC verifies an individual or entity at onboarding and during refresh cycles. KYT/transaction monitoring analyzes wallets and transfers in real time (or post-event) to identify suspicious activity, sanctions exposure, and patterns of illicit finance. TRM Labs

Do I need a Travel Rule solution if I only serve retail in one country?
Possibly. Many jurisdictions apply the Travel Rule above certain thresholds and when sending to other VASPs, even domestically. If you interoperate with global exchanges or custodians, you’ll likely need it. Notabene

How do vendors differ on sanctions coverage?
Screening providers update against official lists and, in some cases, extend coverage using intelligence on known threat actors’ wallets. Look for rapid refresh cycles and retroactive screening. TRM Labs

Can I mix-and-match KYC and blockchain analytics vendors?
Yes. Many teams use a KYC/AML screening vendor plus a blockchain analytics platform; some suites offer both, but best-of-breed mixes are common.

What’s a good starting stack for a new exchange?
A KYC/KYB vendor (Jumio or Sumsub), a sanctions/PEP screening engine (ComplyAdvantage or your KYC vendor’s module), a blockchain analytics platform (Chainalysis/TRM/Elliptic), and a Travel Rule tool (Notabene or Veriscope).

Conclusion + Related Reads

Compliance isn’t one tool; it’s a stack. If you’re U.S.-regulated and high-volume, start with Chainalysis or TRM plus Jumio or Sumsub. If you’re EU-led, Scorechain can simplify audits. For Travel Rule, choose Notabene (end-to-end) or Veriscope (decentralized/pay-as-you-go). Pair your chosen stack with Token Metrics to research, monitor, and act with confidence.

Related Reads:

• Best Cryptocurrency Exchanges 2025
  
  
• Top Derivatives Platforms 2025
  
  
• Top Institutional Custody Providers 2025
  
  

Sources & Update Notes

We independently reviewed official product pages, docs, and security/trust materials for each provider (no third-party links in body). Shortlist refreshed September 2025; we’ll revisit as regulations, features, and availability change.

• Chainalysis — KYT product; platform overview. Chainalysis+1
  
  
• TRM Labs — Transaction Monitoring; platform overview; glossary. TRM Labs+2TRM Labs+2
  
  
• Elliptic — Lens (wallet screening); Screening solution. Elliptic+1
  
  
• ComplyAdvantage — Crypto AML; sanctions & watchlists; platform. ComplyAdvantage+2ComplyAdvantage+2
  
  
• Sumsub — Crypto KYC; Crypto Monitoring. Sumsub+1
  
  
• Jumio — AML Screening; Platform; KYC & AML use case. Jumio+2Jumio+2
  
  
• Notabene — Travel Rule compliance; jurisdiction tracker. Notabene+1
  
  
• Shyft Veriscope — Product page; docs. shyft.network+1
  
  
• Merkle Science — Platform overview; investigations features. merklescience.com+1
  
  

Scorechain — Product pages & glossary resources. Scorechain+1