How Signalmap's Signal Score Works: Methodology and Calculation Explained
The Signalmap Signal Score is a composite metric designed to translate raw exchange hiring data into a single, comparable intelligence signal. Rather than requiring users to manually parse hundreds of job postings across a dozen exchanges, the Signal Score condenses that data into a number that reflects the relative growth intensity, strategic focus, and hiring velocity of each exchange at any given moment.
The Core Inputs
The Signal Score is built from five primary data inputs, each weighted to reflect its predictive value as a leading indicator of exchange activity:
| Input | Weight | Rationale |
|---|---|---|
| Total open role count | 25% | Baseline hiring volume |
| Role count change (30-day) | 30% | Velocity / acceleration signal |
| Strategic role concentration | 20% | Compliance, product, engineering mix |
| Seniority profile | 15% | % of roles at senior/principal+ level |
| Geographic diversity | 10% | Number of distinct hiring locations |
Role Count Change: The Most Important Input
The 30-day change in open role count is the single highest-weighted input (30%) because it captures momentum — the difference between a company that is actively expanding its team and one that is merely replacing attrition. An exchange that adds 40 net new roles in 30 days scores significantly higher on this dimension than one that holds steady at the same total count.
Strategic Role Concentration
The strategic role concentration score rewards exchanges that are making concentrated bets in high-signal categories. An exchange with 15% of its roles in compliance is treated differently than one with 15% in product management — both are significant, but each implies a different strategic direction. This input ensures the Signal Score reflects qualitative strategy, not just quantity.
How to Read the Score
Signal Scores range from 0 to 100. A score above 70 indicates an exchange in active expansion mode with strong directional signals. A score between 40–70 indicates steady-state operations with selective investment. A score below 40 suggests contraction, maintenance mode, or strategic uncertainty. Current scores for Coinbase (~220 roles), Binance (~360), OKX (~446), Kraken (~133), Bitpanda (~68), BitMEX (~29), Bitvavo (~10), and Gemini (~8) are updated continuously.
View live Signal Scores and the full methodology in action at the Signalmap CEX Intelligence Dashboard.