What are cryptocurrencies?
Cryptocurrencies are digital assets that run on blockchain networks, with Bitcoin and Ethereum the largest and best known. Unlike currencies or shares, they have no central issuer and no cash flows behind them — their price is driven purely by supply, demand and sentiment.
That makes crypto the most volatile market most retail traders will touch. Double-digit daily moves are not unusual, which creates both opportunity and outsized risk. Regulatory treatment varies widely by country, and availability depends on your broker’s entity.
How to trade cryptocurrencies
There are two routes: buying real coins on a crypto exchange and holding them in a wallet, or trading crypto CFDs with a broker to speculate on price moves (long or short) with leverage, without custody of the coins.
Crypto CFDs are restricted or banned for retail clients in some regulated jurisdictions precisely because of the volatility, so check what your entity actually offers. Whichever route you take, size positions for the reality that prices can move violently in either direction.
Popular cryptocurrencies instruments
Some of the most widely traded instruments in this market:
Best brokers for cryptocurrencies trading
Every broker below is regulated and reviewed against the same six-pillar rubric. Scores are on a 0–10 scale — open a review to see the full breakdown and each figure’s source.
Cryptocurrencies trading — frequently asked questions
Should I buy real crypto or trade crypto CFDs?
Buying real coins on an exchange gives you the asset to hold long term. Crypto CFDs let you trade short-term moves in both directions with leverage but give you no ownership and cost financing to hold.
Why is crypto leverage so low?
Where crypto CFDs are allowed for retail clients, leverage is capped very tightly (around 1:2 in the EU/UK) because the underlying is so volatile that higher leverage would routinely wipe out accounts.
Is crypto trading available everywhere?
No. Crypto CFDs are restricted or banned for retail clients in several regulated markets, and availability depends on the specific entity you trade with.
Risk warning: Trading cryptocurrencies through leveraged products such as CFDs carries a high risk of rapid loss. The majority of retail investor accounts lose money. Consider whether you understand how these products work and whether you can afford the risk. Nothing here is investment advice.