Choosing how you want to trade cryptocurrencies is the first decision you need to make before selecting the coins themselves. You need to decide whether to trade via derivatives or use an exchange: Trading via Derivatives: When you trade cryptocurrencies via financial derivatives such as binary options, spread betting or CFDs (where allowed), you can speculate on their price without having to own the underlying coins. Trading via an Exchange: Trading via an exchange you have to purchase the assets themselves, storing tokens in a digital wallet until you’re ready to sell. The trading fees you will have to pay can be significant. Most crypto exchanges are unregulated, meaning you have no protection if the exchange is hacked or However, derivatives platforms like IG are FCA-authorized, offering the protection of segregated accounts. Get a Feel for the Market
With cryptocurrencies such as Bitcoin, Ethereum, Doge, Shiba Inu and Solana touching all-time highs, the number of traders has also grown exponentially, said market watchers. Top exchanges have recorded a 200-500% jump in the number of day traders who make money merely by taking positions in various crypto assets.

Wallets used by cryptocurrency exchanges are somewhat vulnerable to hacking. For instance, Japan-based Bitcoin exchange Mt. Gox shut down and declared bankruptcy a few years back after hackers systematically relieved it of more than $450 million in Bitcoin exchanged over its servers.
The market for cryptocurrencies has roughly quadrupled from its 2020 year-end value [File: Paul Yeung/Bloomberg]