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Since the launch of Bitcoin in 2008, cryptocurrency has become increasingly popular but has also taken investors on a wild ride. Its success led to the rise of other cryptocurrency coins, including Ethereum, Litecoin, Dogecoin, and over 22,000 other altcoins. They can be mined on the blockchain, purchased from exchanges or other individuals, and transferred from one digital wallet to another.
Unlike fiat currencies (or traditional money, like the US dollar or euro), cryptocurrencies are not backed by a government or institution, and their value does not change based on geopolitical or economic events. Without a centralised governing body, there is no rational reason for cryptos to change in value. Cryptocurrency only becomes more valuable when enough people agree that it is valuable. Nevertheless, its value has soared over the last decade, hence its popularity.
This guide outlines the history of cryptocurrency, how to trade it, and the advantages and disadvantages of crypto trading, and highlights the best cryptocurrency brokers for Filipino traders.
The cryptocurrency brokers below have been selected for their transparency, reputation, and low trading costs but are otherwise quite different. Read on to learn which brokers suit your personal trading requirements.
These are the best cryptocurrency brokers in the Philippines for 2023, according to our testing and our research.
At FXScouts, we have an experienced review team dedicated to evaluating Forex brokers, including their crypto offerings. Our team of experts meticulously examines each broker, analysing over 200 individual metrics, enabling us to confidently recommend only the top crypto brokers in the Forex industry.
We’ve selected the top crypto brokers in the industry based on several factors:
Regulation: Regulation, especially with cryptocurrency trading, is very important. Reputable regulators include ASIC of Australia, MAS of Singapore and CySEC of Cyprus, among others. However, the Financial Conduct Authority (FCA) has barred all UK-based brokers from offering cryptocurrency CFD trading, because it is such a high-risk financial asset. Many unregulated offshore brokers also specialise in cryptocurrency trading, so always verify your broker’s regulation before making a deposit.
Demo Accounts: This free account type should always be a starting point for any trader starting to trade crypto. Cryptocurrency is extremely volatile, and price patterns are much harder to predict, as limited fundamental data is available, and all trading is done by examining charts.
Leverage: Leverage is typically much lower for cryptos than for other assets, around 5:1. While using too much leverage in highly volatile markets like crypto can wipe out a trading account, traders will still want to access some leverage. Check that the leverage amounts match your risk appetite.
The Number of Crypto Pairs: Some cryptocurrency traders will be happy with fewer pairs, such as Bitcoin, Ethereum and Litecoin against the USD. However, some brokers offer a wider range of crypto CFDs, introducing more variety to your trading. Trading the same few crypto pairs will limit your trading opportunities, and you will need to find other asset classes, like Forex or commodities, to trade in parallel.
Trading Fees: Brokers may introduce a fee for trading cryptocurrency in addition to the spread. Spreads on cryptocurrency can be a lot wider than on fiat currency pairs, which means that large changes in prices will need to happen for a trader to profit. Overall trading costs can vary widely, from US$5 to US$15 per transaction.
Trading Platform: Our selected brokers offer user-friendly, reliable platforms like MT4, MT5, cTrader, or their own web-based platforms.
Customer Service: A broker’s customer service should be responsive and available via various channels. Some brokers offer 24/7 customer service, which is a huge help for crypto traders who trade over the weekend.
Educational Resources: Brokers offering educational resources can help beginners grasp crypto trading effectively.
A well-regulated broker, Eightcap offers low-cost trading on a broad range of cryptocurrency pairs on the MT4, MT5, and TradingView trading platforms. With over 100 cryptocurrencies, Eightcap has one of the largest sets of crypto pairs in the industry, including crypto-crosses and crypto indices. Eightcap also boasts some of the tightest crypto spreads, with Bitcoin at 12 USD per coin and Ethereum at 0.45 USD per coin. Additionally, leverage is higher than many other cryptocurrency brokers, up to 20:1, where clients can open trading accounts with a 100 USD minimum deposit.
Eightcap also offers excellent trading conditions: tight spreads on the commission-free Standard and TradingView, and low commissions on the Raw Account. You can also start with a Demo account to try trading without any risk.
Accepts Filipino clients. Average spread EUR/USD 0.00 pips with 7 USD commission round turn on the trading account with lowest minimum deposit. Max leverage 500:1. Islamic account available. MT4 & MT5 platforms supported. Eightcap Markets is regulated by ASIC, the FCA, CySEC, and the SCB.
FBS – 100+ Crypto Pairs on MT5 and Mobile
The FBS Crypto Account is a good option if you want to try trading cryptocurrencies. Bitcoin, Ethereum, and other digital coins are highly volatile, so traders can profit from rapid price movements. Additionally, unlike traditional markets, crypto trading is available 24/7. The FBS crypto account supports more than 100 instruments, including crypto coins, coin-fiat crosses, coin-coin crosses, and coin-metal crosses.
FBS offers excellent trading conditions: low spreads, fixed leverage at 1:5, and easy deposits and withdrawals in both fiat and crypto. You can also start with a Demo Crypto account to try trading without any risk. The FBS Crypto account is available on MetaTrader 5 on desktop but is also available with the FBS Trader mobile app. The FBS Trader app is more user-friendly and will be better for beginners interested in trading crypto.
Accepts Filipino Clients. Spreads start at 0.70 pips on the EUR/USD on the trading account with lowest minimum deposit. Max leverage 30:1. Islamic account available. MT4 & MT5 platforms supported. FBS is regulated by ASIC, CySEC, the FSCA, and the IFSC.
Avatrade – Best Mobile Experience for Cryptocurrency Trading
A well-regulated market maker, Avatrade provides a reliable, user-friendly trading environment on a range of platforms, including its innovative mobile app – AvaTradeGO. AvatradeGO allows traders to view their trades at a glance, create watchlists, and view live prices and charts. It also allows traders to trade on more than 250 instruments, including 8 cryptocurrencies on its mobile app.
Avatrade supports cryptocurrency trading 24/7, which means that traders can operate on the weekend. Furthermore, unlike many other brokers that restrict clients by only allowing crypto to crypto trading, Avatrade clients can trade cryptos against Fiat currencies (USD, EUR, and JPY). Lastly, Avatrade offers some of the best trading conditions on cryptocurrencies, but leverage is limited to 20:1 because of the volatility of the market.
Bonds, Commodities, Cryptocurrencies, Stock CFDs, Forex, Futures, Indices
A beginner-friendly ASIC-regulated CFD broker, IC Markets offers trading on a broad range of instruments, including Forex, commodities, indices, bonds, and 12 cryptocurrency pairs. Cryptocurrency trading is offered 24/7 at IC Markets, alongside 24/7 customer support, which is great for weekend traders and beginners who are trying to find their footing. Leverage is up to 5:1 and all fees are included in the variable spreads. Furthermore, IC Markets offers a broad range of trading platforms, including MT4, MT5, and cTrader, in addition to a number of copy trading platforms such as Zulutrade, and Myfxbook Autotrade, which are appealing to new traders.
IC Markets also offers an impressive array of course material, including video tutorials, articles, frequent webinars, and IC Markets’ WebTV. It also provides an extensive hub of market analysis materials including fundamental analysis, technical analysis, and an up-to-date market news section.
Accepts Filipino Clients. Average spread EUR/USD 0.10 pips with 7 USD commission round turn on the trading account with lowest minimum deposit. Max leverage 30:1. Islamic account available. MT4, MT5 & cTrader platforms supported. IC Markets is regulated by CySEC, ASIC, and the FSA.
Admirals, formerly known as Admiral Markets, is an Australian broker offering trading on a wide range of assets, including 40+ Forex pairs, 32 cryptocurrency CFDs, metals, energies, commodities, indices, shares, ETFs, and bonds. Cryptocurrency trading is offered on both the MT4 and MT5 trading platforms, but traders can only choose between four crypto pairs on MT4. For the full range of 32 cryptocurrencies, traders must use MT5. Cryptocurrency assets include 22 cryptocurrency pairs crossed with Fiat currencies and 10 cryptocurrency cross pairs. The minimum deposit on the trading accounts is 100 EUR/GPB/AUD, leverage on crypto is up to 2:1, and trading is open 24/7 on pairs with EUR and digital crosses. No commissions are charged.
Admirals offers its own customised plugin for MetaTrader, known as the MetaTrader Supreme Edition. This custom plugin was built by MetaQuotes for Admirals and adds powerful features to both the MT4 and MT5 platforms. Included in the MetaTrader Supreme Edition is the Global Opinion toolset, which scans and contextualises millions of financial news stories and social media posts, providing traders with a dynamic view of market sentiment.
Accepts Filipino Clients. Average spread EUR/USD 0.80 pips with 0.0 USD commission round turn on the trading account with lowest minimum deposit. Max leverage 30:1. Islamic account available. MT4, MT5 & MT4 Supreme Edition platforms supported. Admirals is regulated by ASIC, CySEC, and the FCA.
A leading CFD broker, FP Markets offers trading on multiple assets, including Forex, commodities, shares, metals, indices, and cryptocurrencies on both the MT4 and MT5 and newly added cTrader platforms. With its low latency, lightning-fast trade execution, FP Markets provides the ideal conditions for scalping and those using Expert Advisors (EAs).
FP Markets offers cryptocurrency trading, including Bitcoin, Litecoin, Ripple, and Ethereum on two live accounts – the Standard Account and the Raw Account. Both accounts offer similar trading conditions, a leverage of up to 5:1, and no commissions. The benefit of trading cryptocurrency CFDs through FP Markets is that one never owns the underlying asset, removing the need for a Crypto wallet.
Accepts Filipino Clients. Average spread EUR/USD 0.10 pips on trading account with lowest minimum deposit. Max leverage 30:1. Islamic account available. MT4, MT5 & IRESS platforms supported. FP Markets is regulated by CySEC and ASIC.
BDSwiss – Best Market Research Provider for Cryptocurrency Traders
Commodities, Cryptocurrencies, Stock CFDs, Forex, Indices
A well-regulated market maker, BDSwiss offers trading 20 cryptocurrency pairs available for trading, including Bitcoin, Litecoin, Ripple, and Ethereum, no commissions are charged, and BDSwiss offers leverage of up to 5:1. With a broad range of other tradable assets on three live accounts, BDSwiss offers full support for MT4, MT5, and its bespoke BDSwiss Webtrader application, featuring an extensive set of analysis tools and advanced charting.
The BDSwiss Trading academy and its associated market analysis materials are the best in the industry. Curated by a team of renowned market analysts and professional traders that provide 24/5 market news coverage, it is well-recognised by the global industry and its research team is often featured in world-leading publications and financial news outlets.
Accepts Filipino Clients. Average spread EUR/USD 1.50 pips on trading account with lowest minimum deposit. Max leverage 30:1. Islamic account available. MT4 & MT5 platforms supported. BDSwiss is regulated by CySEC, FSC, and the FSA-Seychelles.
ThinkMarkets – 21 Cryptocurrency Pairs and 24/7 Customer Service
ThinkMarkets offers trading on 21 cryptos, a wider range than is typically available at other brokers, including Bitcoin, Bitcoin Cash, Ethereum, Dash, and XRP. Leverage is reasonable at 10:1 for Bitcoin and Ethereum, but lower for the less common coins. The cryptocurrency market never stops, and cryptocurrency traders will appreciate ThinkMarkets’ 24/7 customer service via phone, email, and live chat. Traders can choose between three different trading platforms: ThinkTrader, the next-generation MetaTrader 5 and the popular MetaTrader 4. Cryptocurrency trading is also available on the ThinkTrader mobile app.
Accepts Filipino Clients. Average spread EUR/USD 1.20 pips with 0.0 USD commission round turn on the trading account with lowest minimum deposit. Islamic account available. MT4 & MT5 platforms supported. ThinkMarkets is regulated by the FSCA, FCA, BMA, and ASIC.
OctaFX – Cryptocurrency CFD Broker with the Best Bonuses
OctaFX is a regulated ECN broker that offers trading on multiple assets, including Forex, commodities, stocks, indices, and 30 of the most popular cryptocurrencies. Full support is offered for the MT4, MT5, and OctaTrader platforms, and all accounts employ market execution. Traders are afforded leverage of up to 1:25, the minimum deposit requirement on crypto trading is 100 USD, and trading is commission-free.
OctaFX also offers a wide range of bonuses and promotions for Asian clients. A 50% deposit bonus is available, in addition to various demo contests and prizes for traders with live accounts.
Accepts Filipino Clients. Average spread EUR/USD 0.60 pips on trading account with lowest minimum deposit. Max leverage 500:1. Islamic account available. MT4 & MT5 platforms supported. OctaFX is regulated by CySEC and SVG FSA.
XM – Wide Range of Cryptos, High Leverage, Excellent Education
XM, a highly-regulated market maker, offers trading on a wide range of financial instruments, including Forex, stocks, commodities, equities, precious metals, energies, shares, and an impressive line up of 58 cryptocurrencies with leverage of up to 500:1. With a strong commitment to efficiency, XM stands out with its strict no-requotes and no rejections policy, ensuring that a remarkable 99.53% of all trades are executed in under a second across both the MT4 and MT5 platforms.
Further solidifying its position as a top broker, XM provides an extensive educational foundation for traders. This encompasses daily Q&A sessions, live education from Monday to Friday between 05:00 and 15:00 GMT, in-depth platform tutorials, educational videos, and Forex webinars delivered by 67 industry experts in 19 languages. Additionally, its unique Forex seminars and unparalleled market analysis materials ensure that traders, both novice and experienced, have the tools they need to thrive in the market.
Accepts Filipino Clients. Average spread EUR/USD 0.70 pips on trading account with lowest minimum deposit. Max leverage 1000:1. Islamic account available. MT4 & MT5 platforms supported. XM Group regulated by CySEC, ASIC, and the Belize FSC.
History of Cryptocurrency
The concept of cryptocurrency emerged in the 1980s. The idea was to be able to transact in a currency or form of exchange that didn’t require centralisation and couldn’t be traced. An American cryptographer, David Chaum, created the first electronic form of payment, called DigiCash, which required software and encrypted keys to send and withdraw money.
Bit Gold was the next development, designed in 1998 by Nick Szabo. It required people to solve a puzzle to get the reward.
In the same year, Satoshi Nakamoto famously published a paper describing blockchain networks and their technology, which gave rise to Bitcoin. However, it was first mined in 2009 but had no value for the first few months after its inception. In April 2010, its value reached 14 cents, then surged to 36 cents in November 2021. Between February 2011 and April 2011, it traded at 1 USD, and by November 2013, it was trading at between 350 USD and 1200 USD.
Other forms of crypto were then created using blockchain technology, and we saw the rise of Ethereum, Dogecoin, Tether, XRP, Solana, PolkaDot, and many others, with new ones emerging regularly.
An introduction to cryptocurrencies
Cryptos such as Bitcoin and Ethereum have become popular with traders due to their volatility, which has delivered huge profits to some traders and investors.
The main choice facing traders who wish to enter the crypto sector is whether to use a broker or an exchange. The latter is a place where buyers and sellers meet to exchange cryptos for either fiat currencies* (such as the dollar) or for other cryptos, and where prices are based on market valuations. The exchange of fiat currencies and/or cryptocurrencies takes place directly between buyers and sellers, with the exchange operator providing the platform. This type of trading is most suitable for more advanced traders.
A broker, by contrast, acts as an intermediary but can also act as the other side of the trade, i.e. the counterparty. This type of trading is more suitable for beginners. Rather than selling cryptos directly to traders, brokers focus on allowing traders to speculate on cryptos using financial tools such as CFDs – a route into the crypto world that offers significant advantages. However, you should be aware that, with the rising interest in cryptocurrency trading, unregulated brokers have sprung up to take advantage of unprepared newcomers. We recommend that you always trade with a well-regulated broker.
The following subsections examine the main advantages of trading crypto CFDs:
1. More suitable for beginners
CFD crypto brokers often provide a wide range of educational materials that help you learn all about cryptos and the various ways you can trade them, as well as successful strategies and how to implement them.
A broker will also allow you to open a demo account where you can trade with virtual money rather than your hard-earned savings. You can practise on these demo accounts until you feel that you understand the market, know how to trade successfully and feel comfortable enough to risk your own money.
Figure 1: How to trade cryptos with a broker (Source: Bitpanda.com)
2. You can trade with leverage
When you trade cryptos using CFDs, you can exploit the concept of leverage to maximise your exposure and potential profits. That is because you only need to put down a relatively small amount of money (known as the margin) to make a trade, and the broker lends you the rest.
For example, if a broker offers a CFD leverage ratio of 2:1, you put down a margin of 50 per cent on each trade. If the price moves by 5 per cent, the CFD trader will actually make a profit of 10 per cent on that margin (or alternatively a loss of 10 per cent if the trade goes the wrong way). This means that CFD traders can earn a large amount of money quickly, but can lose money equally rapidly.
3. You can trade both ways
Trading cryptos using CFDs allows you to speculate on whether the price of a crypto will rise or fall. If you go “long”, you use a CFD to buy the crypto and will profit if its price goes higher. When you go “short”, you are effectively selling the crypto at one price in the belief that it will go lower. You can then buy it back and pocket the difference between the sell price and the buy price.
Imagine, for example, you open a position to short-sell Bitcoin (BTC) via CFDs. If Bitcoin is trading at US$40,000 and you are offered leverage of 2:1, you could open a position to sell 1 BTC with a deposit or margin of US$20,000. If the market falls, as you anticipated, to US$35,000, you could then close your position by buying 1 BTC. To calculate your profit, you would just have to take the difference between the opening and closing prices: in this case, US$40,000 minus US$35,000 = US$5000.
While some exchanges offer short-selling facilities, this involves borrowing the actual asset from the exchange or a third party and selling it on the market. If the market price did fall, you would then be able to buy the Bitcoin back at a lower price, return it to the owner, and profit from the change in price. You wouldn’t be offered margin, however.
4. You can hedge your positions
You can also use CFDs to protect your crypto positions. This involves opening trades so that a gain or loss in one position is offset by changes in the value of the other position. Using CFDs to hedge allows you to insure positions without owning the underlying crypto. This allows you to speculate on the price of the crypto without ever having to worry about opening an exchange account or creating a digital wallet.
Imagine you own 2 BTC, and, although you believe the asset’s price will rise in the long run, you are concerned about short-term volatility. Instead of selling BTC, you could open a CFD trade to short BTC. Once any negative price movement is over, you could close your direct hedge, and any profits you make would help offset any losses to your cryptocurrency holding. Alternatively, if the price of BTC rose, the profits from your holdings would offset any loss incurred by your BTC CFD.
4. They are more secure than trading cryptos directly on an exchange.
Trading cryptocurrency can be a risky business, and not just because of the volatility risk. If you trade cryptos directly, rather than through CFDs, you need to know they are stored safely. While broker’s accounts have insurance and other protections in place to keep your money safe, the same is not always true of digital currency exchanges. But, if you trade cryptos via CFDs, you need not be concerned about security since you never own the underlying asset.
5. They are very flexible.
An exchange allows you to buy and sell, for example, Bitcoin for dollars or to exchange it for another crypto, such as Ethereum. Different exchanges offer different trading pairs, so the one you choose is a matter of personal preference. But if, for example, you open an account in dollars, you can only trade related pairs, such as the US dollar against Bitcoin (USD/BTC) or the US dollar against Ethereum (USD/ETH). By contrast, if you use a broker, you deposit money into your account and can then use various trading pairs, not limited to the currency of deposit.
Trading cryptos via CFDs allows you to close a position anytime during the trading day. That means you can hold a position for as long as you want, be it seconds, minutes or hours – an important consideration given the severe price volatility cryptos can experience. Additionally, cryptocurrency trading is available 24/7, unlike Forex trading, which is only available during weekdays. You can even hold a position overnight, although there will be a charge for doing so. Moreover, many brokers offer a variety of options when it comes to trade size, allowing a wide range of traders to access the market. This includes beginners and casual traders seeking to experiment with investment strategies while limiting their risk by focusing on small trades.
6. They have a huge profit potential
The crypto market is relatively new but has experienced significant volatility due to huge amounts of short-term speculative interest, making it highly attractive to traders. The higher the volatility, the greater the potential profits, while rapid intraday price movements can provide a range of opportunities for traders to go long and short. But remember, it is important to have a risk strategy in place. Fortunately, you can implement a variety of such strategies when using CFDs.
Figure 2: The volatile world of Bitcoin (US$), 2014 to end 2021 (Source: Crypto.com)
The Disadvantages of trading cryptos
1. They are extremely volatile
Just as the wild ride offered by cryptos offers traders huge potential for making profits, the flip side is equally true. Fortunately, trading cryptos via CFDs means taking out some form of insurance by hedging your positions, such as selling short and long, and instituting stop-loss orders.
2. Leveraging cryptos is extremely risky
While leverage magnifies the profit potential of trading cryptos, the reverse is also true: it significantly increases the risk that you could lose a lot of money. Indeed, the losses could exceed your initial deposit for an individual trade, which is why it is vital you consider the total value of the leveraged position before trading CFDs.
3. It is easy to take on too much risk
Because the cost of trading CFDs is low, due to leverage, it is easy for investors to be lulled into a false sense of security and take on more trades than is prudent. This can leave them overexposed to the markets at any given time, such that their remaining capital would be insufficient to cover losses across the portfolio. If multiple positions go wrong, it can spell financial ruin for those who adopt a less-than-cautious approach to CFD trading.
4. You do not own the cryptocurrency
This is another characteristic of CFDs that brings benefits but also disadvantages. Because you don’t own the underlying asset, you can’t gain from the benefits of ownership, such as the income provided at set periods by shares or bonds. Even if you factor in forthcoming dividend declarations when buying CFDs in shares, for example, you will only benefit at a fractional rate compared with the payout involved in actual share ownership.
5. It has limited advantages over time
Because of the above point and others, you should only view CFDs as a short-term trading strategy, rather than a long-term investment option. Overnight financing charges alone can render the cost of long-term ownership of long positions prohibitive.
6. There can be a counterparty risk when trading crypto CFDs
This relates to the risk that the counterparty to the trade, the broker in the case of CFDs, could default on the deal. Such risk is minimised by choosing a reputable broker in a well-regulated legal environment, but it still cannot be overlooked.
Cryptocurrency assets: how to trade cryptos
Just as when you trade any other currency, you trade cryptos in pairs, either against fiat currencies such as the US dollar or against another crypto. For example, you could trade Bitcoin against the euro (BTC/EUR) or against Ethereum (BTC/ETH).
The US dollar is by far the most traded fiat currency globally, and BTC/USD (where BTC is the base currency) is the most popular crypto-to-fiat pair. When, for example, the price of the BTC/USD pair is 40,000, it takes US$40,000 to buy one Bitcoin. According to the broker AvaTrade, this pair serves as the de facto gold standard for the cryptocurrency market, providing the price direction cue for virtually the entire crypto market.
The advantage of trading cryptos against major currencies like the dollar or the euro is that these are relatively liquid markets, so it is fairly easy to find a buyer and a seller for your trade. This in turn means that such markets are less volatile than other pairings (such as crypto-to-crypto pairs) and the spreads tend to be narrower.
FAQs
Is Trading Crypto Profitable?
Like all trading, if you’re on the right side of the market, you can make a profit. However, if you’re on the wrong side of the market with cryptocurrencies, you can lose a lot of money in a short period.
The cryptocurrency market is very volatile, and it’s not uncommon to see 20%, 30% and even 50% swings every single day. If you are day trading, this can translate to good profits if you can capitalise on the short-term fluctuations.
Is Crypto Trading Safe?
Trading cryptocurrency is a very high-risk market. In part, this is because the market doesn’t have a long history, so we can’t refer to previous market behaviour, but also because it does not have the same oversight and controls as fiat currencies. This lack of control makes the market an unpredictable asset to trade.
Cryptocurrency CFD trading is also only as safe as your broker. The same rules apply when looking for a broker to trade crypto CFDs, as they do for fiat currencies. Finding a well-regulated broker, with an acceptable account choice, trading conditions and reputation is key to your trading safety.
When Can I Trade Cryptocurrency?
Because there is no actual cryptocurrency exchange, and all trades use a broker as a counterparty, cryptocurrencies can be traded 24/7. Crypto CFDs are the only assets that trade around the clock, seven days a week, 365 days a year, which is very rare in the financial world.
In contrast, the stock markets operate 8 hours a day; 5 days per week while the Forex market pauses trading over the weekend.
The main advantage of a 24/7 market is that you can buy and sell cryptocurrencies any time of the day, making them accessible to all traders.
Are Profits From Crypto Trading Taxable?
Like any other regular income, cryptocurrency trading is taxable. However, the cryptocurrency market remains a relatively new market, and because of that, there is also a lot of ambiguity in the laws.
If you’re transacting any cryptocurrency, you need to be aware of the tax consequences — no matter where you live. If you have significant money invested in cryptocurrencies, you should always seek guidance from a financial adviser when it comes to legal issues and taxes.
Cryptocurrency vocabulary
There is a wide range of new terms you should be aware of before you try trading cryptos. The main ones are listed below.
Altcoin
This refers to any type of crypto that is not Bitcoin. Altcoins share similarities with Bitcoin but can also vary in key respects, such as using a different mechanism to validate transactions.
Bitcoin
Bitcoin was the first crypto. It came into existence in January 2009, when an unknown author using the pseudonym Satoshi Nakamoto mined the genesis block.
The total value of the crypto market is now estimated at around US$2 trillion. Interest among small traders and investors took off in 2017, after the price of Bitcoin reached US$20,000 per coin.
Bitcoin Cash
Bitcoin Cash is a peer-to-peer crypto created in August 2017 as a “fork” (see below) of Bitcoin. While Bitcoin is believed to be too volatile to be useful as a currency, Bitcoin Cash is designed for transactions.
Block
Blocks are where the data related to the Bitcoin network are permanently recorded. Blocks contain the records of valid transactions that have taken place on the network, so a block is effectively like a page of a ledger or record book.
Blockchain
The blockchain is a digital form of record-keeping and the underlying technology behind cryptocurrencies. It is a system of recording information in a way that makes it difficult or impossible to change, hack or cheat the system. The blockchain is composed of sequential blocks that build upon one another, creating a permanent and unchangeable ledger of transactions.
Coin
A coin is a crypto or digital currency that is independent of any other blockchain or platform. As a single unit of currency, a coin can be traded for an agreed-upon value, depending on current market conditions. Some blockchains, like Bitcoin, have the same name for both the network and the coin.
Coinbase
Coinbase is an exchange that offers a secure online platform for buying, selling, transferring and storing digital currency. In April 2021, it became the first crypto exchange to go public on the NASDAQ.
Cold wallet/hardware wallet/cold storage
A cold wallet, also known as a hardware wallet or cold storage, is a physical device that offers a secure method of storing your crypto offline. Many look like USB drives.
Cryptocurrency
Cryptocurrency is decentralised digital money based on blockchain technology. The most well-known cryptos are Bitcoin and Ethereum, but there are more than 5000 different cryptocurrencies in circulation. Cryptos can be used to buy and sell things, as a long-term store of value, or for speculative purposes.
Decentralisation
In blockchain technology, decentralisation refers to the transfer of control and decision-making from a central authority to a distributed network, so reducing the level of trust that participants must place in one another. It also undermines the ability of one entity to exert authority or control over others. Blockchains require majority approval from all users to operate and make changes.
Decentralised finance (DeFi)
DeFi aims to provide financial services without intermediaries, such as banks or governments, using automated protocols on blockchains and stablecoins (see below) to facilitate fund transfers.
Decentralised applications (Dapps)
A decentralised application is an application built on a decentralised network that combines a smart contract, a programme that runs on blockchain, and a front-end user interface. The vast majority of dapp development is on the Ethereum blockchain. Dapps allow users to carry out transactions with each other without intermediaries.
Digital gold
This term can have two meanings. One is a form of digital money based on units of gold. However, cryptos are often referred to as digital gold because they share some of the characteristics of physical gold, having a limited supply and acting as a haven in times of trouble and a store of value and protection against inflation.
Ethereum
The second-largest cryptocurrency by trade volume, Ethereum is a decentralised, blockchain-based platform that facilitates the use of smart contracts and the creation of decentralised apps or “dapps”. It also has a native cryptocurrency called Ether (or “ETH”).
Exchange
An exchange is a digital marketplace where you can buy and sell cryptos.
Fork
A fork occurs when a blockchain’s users make changes to the rules (known as protocols) of the blockchain. This often results in the creation of two paths: one follows the old rules, while the other is a new blockchain that splits off from the previous one.
Gas
The term “gas” refers to the fee that must be paid to successfully conduct a transaction or execute a contract on the Ethereum blockchain platform.
Genesis block
The genesis block is the first block of a cryptocurrency ever produced.
HODL
This term is often interpreted as meaning “Hold On for Dear Life”. It originated from a user typo in an online Bitcoin forum in 2013 and refers to a buy-and-hold investment strategy executed in the belief that the cryptocurrency will increase in value over the long term.
Halving
Halving is a method of controlling the supply of Bitcoin (in contrast with traditional currencies like the US dollar, which are essentially unlimited in supply and lose value when governments print too much of them). Halving involves cutting in half the number of new units entering circulation. Bitcoin last halved on 11 May 2020, and the next halving is expected in 2024.
Hash
A hash is a function that generates a fixed-length character string from data records of any length. A data record can be a word, a sentence, a longer text or an entire file. A hash is used for security purposes and constitutes the backbone of crypto security.
Hot wallet
A hot wallet is a form of cryptocurrency storage that is connected to the internet and can be accessed through your computer or phone. Because they are online, hot wallets are more susceptible to hacking and cybersecurity attacks than offline wallets (also known as cold wallets – see above).
Initial coin offering (ICO)
An initial coin offering is a method of raising funds for a new cryptocurrency project. ICOs are similar to initial public offerings (IPOs) of stocks.
Market capitalisation
The market capitalisation of a cryptocurrency is the total value of all the coins that have been mined. It is calculated by multiplying the current number of coins by the current value of each coin.
Mining
Mining is the process whereby new cryptocurrency coins are created and the log of transactions between users is maintained.
Node
A node is a computer that connects to a blockchain network.
Non-fungible tokens (NFTs)
“Non-fungible” refers to something that is unique and cannot be replaced by something else. NFTs have unique identification codes and metadata that distinguish them from each other, and, unlike cryptos, they cannot be traded or exchanged at equivalency.
NFTs are most often held on the Ethereum blockchain. They can be used to represent real-world items such as artwork and real estate. NFTs are created through a process known as minting and, once minted, they cannot be deleted or edited. The value of NFTs is subjective and this is why they are usually issued through auctions on digital marketplaces.
Peer-to-peer
The term “peer-to-peer” refers to two users interacting directly without a third party or intermediary. A peer-to-peer platform is a decentralised platform that allows individuals to interact directly with each other.
Public key
A public key is a unique cryptographic code used to facilitate transactions between parties, allowing users to receive cryptocurrencies in their accounts. It is effectively a wallet address, and similar to a bank account number. It can be disclosed to other users so that they can send you money.
Private key
A private key is an extremely large encrypted code that allows direct access to your cryptocurrency. Like a bank account password, it should never be shared.
Smart contract
A smart contract is a program stored on a blockchain that runs when predetermined conditions are met. Smart contracts are typically used to automate the execution of an agreement, so that all participants can be immediately certain of the outcome without the involvement of any intermediary or loss of time. They can also automate a workflow, triggering the next action when the defined conditions have been met.
Stablecoin/digital fiat
A stablecoin is a digital currency that is pegged to a “stable” reserve asset like the US dollar or gold. Stablecoins are designed to reduce volatility relative to unpegged cryptocurrencies such as Bitcoin. They are also known as digital fiat.
Token
The word “token” has several meanings. It can be used as another word for a crypto, or to describe all cryptos other than Bitcoin and Ethereum, or as a name for certain digital assets that run on top of a crypto blockchain. Tokens have a huge range of potential functions, from helping make decentralised exchanges possible to selling rare items in video games. But they can all be traded or held like any other cryptocurrency.
Vitalik Buterin
Vitalik Buterin is the programmer who created Ethereum in 2015.
Wallet
A wallet is a place to store your cryptocurrency holdings. Many exchanges offer digital wallets. Wallets can either be hot (online, software-based) or cold (offline, usually on a device).
Forex Risk Disclaimer
Trading Forex and CFDs is not suitable for all investors as it carries a high degree of risk to your capital: 75-90% of retail investors lose money trading these products. Forex and CFD transactions involve high risk due to the following factors: Leverage, market volatility, slippage arising from a lack of liquidity, inadequate trading knowledge or experience, and a lack of regulatory protection. Traders should not deposit any money that is not considered disposable income. Regardless of how much research you have done or how confident you are in your trade, there is always a substantial risk of loss. (Learn more about these risks from the UK’s regulator, the FCA, or the Australian regulator, ASIC).
Our Rating & Review Methodology
Our State of the Market Report and Directory of CFD Brokers to Avoid are the result of extensive research on over 180 Forex brokers. These resources help traders find the best Forex brokers – and steer them away from the worst ones. These resources have been compiled using over 200 data points on each broker and over 3000 hours of research. Our team conducts all research independently: Testing brokers, gathering information from broker representatives and sifting through legal documents. Learn more about how we rank brokers.
Editorial Team
Chris Cammack Head of Content
Chris joined the company in 2019 after ten years experience in research, editorial and design for political and financial publications. His background has given him a deep knowledge of international financial markets and the geopolitics that affects them. Chris has a keen eye for editing and a voracious appetite for financial and political current affairs. He ensures that our content across all sites meets the standards of quality and transparency that our readers expect.
Alison Heyerdahl Senior Financial Writer
Alison joined the team as a writer in 2021. She has a medical degree with a focus on physiotherapy and a bachelor’s in psychology. However, her interest in forex trading and her love for writing led her to switch careers, and she now has over eight years experience in research and content development. She has tested and reviewed 100+ brokers and has a great understanding of the Forex trading world.
Ida Hermansen Financial Writer
Ida joined our team as a financial writer in 2023. She has a degree in Digital Marketing and a background in content writing and SEO. In addition to her marketing and writing skills, Ida also has an interest in cryptocurrencies and blockchain networks. Her interest in crypto trading led to a wider fascination with Forex technical analysis and price movement. She continues to develop her skills and knowledge in Forex trading and keeps a close eye on which Forex brokers offer the best trading environments for new traders.