?>

What You Need to Look For in a Crypto Broker

2.2 k views
What You Need to Look For in a Crypto Broker

Traders are very fond of investing in cryptocurrencies, as the market has shown in recent years. However, often those who approach this world have a low level of investment experience, so it is necessary to pay attention to the choice of trading method.

There are several ways to trade cryptocurrencies, from specialized exchanges to financial brokers. Today’s article will discuss the latter category, highlighting the main factors one must observe to choose a good crypto broker.

Given many operators on the market, an investor of average experience may need help choosing the best option. This analysis aims precisely to provide readers with the tools to move in such a populated market.

Financial Broker: A Definition

Before delving deeper into the matter, it is essential to understand exactly what a financial broker is. You can think of a broker as an honest intermediary that allows you to access the financial markets.

It is possible to trade listed securities through a financial broker, such as stocks, bonds, ETFs, etc. Given the tremendous popularity of investments in cryptocurrencies over the last few years, many brokers are starting to allow access to this sector.

Through brokers, however, you typically don’t own cryptocurrencies. Therefore, we will provide more information in the following section.

Crypto Exchanges vs. Brokers

Think of the exchange as an online portal that you can use to trade cryptocurrencies. Once you create an account on an exchange platform, you will see that the website will open a crypto wallet with a unique address for you.

Usually, you can deposit fiat money on the exchange portal, allowing you to carry out the first cryptocurrency purchase operations. You will then notice that these platforms also offer swap services, i.e., conversions between coins. In addition, exchanges can provide various services that crypto enthusiasts appreciate, such as NFTs trading, stacking, etc.

Generally speaking, those who work with a financial broker do not own cryptocurrencies, but they can still operate in this market. This mechanism is implemented through derivative instruments known as “Contracts For Difference” (CFD). 

CFDs can have the market quote of a coin as a benchmark, and they tend to have price variations similar to those of the reference crypto.

Therefore, those who operate through a broker will not see the operator’s opening of a crypto wallet. Instead, the broker acts as a mere intermediary, allowing speculative operations in this industry.

Is it better to use a crypto exchange or a financial broker, then? Unfortunately, the definitive answer does not exist since both choices present pros and cons

Exchanges are a good choice for anyone who wants to take full advantage of crypto-related services. Brokers, instead, offer the chance to differentiate your investment by combining cryptos with traditional financial assets.

Finding a regulated broker

The derivative market is a remarkably complex world in the financial universe. As brokers let you trade cryptos through CFDs, you should be aware of the risks in operation. Therefore, the first thing one should consider when choosing a broker is whether the company follows legal regulations.

Typically, you will observe how all of the major brokers on the market share details on the financial institutions that regulate them. In such a complicated context as the crypto-derivative market, ensure that the chosen broker is fully regulated in your geographical area.

While “regulated” does not mean “safe,” you can generally count on the financial regulator to intervene in case of anomalies in the broker’s activity.

Other aspects to consider

After making sure your broker is following regulations, you will need to consider other aspects, such as:

Level of fees

Different brokers ask for additional fees. We all need to know how much investment will cost us over the long term, from trading to extra-trading operations. CFDs typically come with a daily price just for holding the position, and while this cost is generally low, we need to consider it.

Deposit and withdrawal operations also generally come with a cost, which may vary depending on the payment method we select.

Number of cryptos

Most financial brokers have only recently started offering crypto CFD trading. Consequently, you will see how their number of available cryptos could be much higher. Next, consider the coins you want to invest in if you use a broker to handle your crypto investments.

Major cryptos, such as BTC and ETH, are typically available with most financial brokers. However, if you plan to invest mainly in altcoins, you may find that only a few companies allow you to do this.

Customer support

We never think about it, but when a problem arises, customer support is fundamental. Moreover, it may ultimately differentiate a great broker from a below-average one. 

Make sure your broker’s customer support is professional and easy to reach. You can never know when you need help to sort out an issue.

What can we conclude?

The constant appearance of new companies in the financial brokerage sector should bring healthy competition to the market. However, this factor also poses difficulties for the trader when selecting the best alternative in the industry.

Bitcoin coin symbol
Btc
Bitcoin
$62.547
price
red chart
decrease symbol0.84959%
price change
TRADE NOW

Keeping in mind that investing requires knowledge and experience, it is fundamental to find a regulated broker before trading crypto CFDs. Following this step, you will need to analyze the fees and the investment alternatives while remembering the importance of excellent customer support.

Previous

How Adidas Is Entering the NFT Market

Next

Trading in the Forex and Crypto Sectors – A Critical Comparison

Written by

257 posts

Born in Italy, Gianluca is a finance and data specialist, coming from an academic education at Sorbonne University in Paris and a career as Senior Advisor at Ernst & Young in the Banking and Blockchain sector.

VIEW AUTHOR

More author posts

Banana NFT Goes Live on Telegram After Steam Success

Following the concept's success on Steam, a team of developers has brought the popular Banana Game to Telegram. The "Banana NFT" project introduces a new meta for gamers to earn rewards while playing.  This team has also implemented a unique feature. Specifically, users can mine and collect NFTs, with special bonuses for discovering rare bananas. The upcoming giveaway event will attract attention and spread the word about this new game.  From Steam to Telegram The Banana NFT team took full…

AeoN-X – A Hybrid Exchange with Proprietary Chain & Earn System Launching Soon

The centralized vs decentralized exchange debate has been ongoing, but what if you could have both on one platform? AeoN-X is introducing a hybrid exchange with a proprietary blockchain and a crypto-earning system.  With an experienced team and a complete listing strategy, many Web3 fans are more and more curious about AeoN-X. Let's examine what this AI-based platform offers and how it's rethinking the exchange model. Keep in mind that this project is set to go live through a presale…

Simplified Crypto Trading for Everyone: BYDFi’s Beginner-Friendly Platform

Over recent years, there has been a growing interest in cryptocurrency trading among a wide audience. However, the complexity of the crypto market often deters potential traders, especially beginners. Platforms like BYDFi are dedicated to making crypto trading more accessible and user-friendly for everyone. In this article, we'll explore how BYDFi simplifies crypto trading, making it easier for beginners to navigate the world of Web3. What Is BYDFi? Originally known as BitYard, BYDFi is a leading centralized exchange in the…

Driving the Beat: How Sonorus’ TrendFi Plans to Democratize the Music Industry

Sonorus is working to revolutionize the music industry by bringing fans and artists together. With their innovative TrendFi system, they are creating a space where community engagement drives music trends. Moreover, the project’s ecosystem rewards both fans and artists. Sonorus is more than just a platform. This is a movement set to reshape the way we value and experience music in the digital age. So, how exactly does TrendFi work? Let's dive in and find out. What Is Sonorus? Sonorus…

Spot On Chain – Harnessing AI and On-Chain Analytics for Smarter Crypto Investments

The world of cryptocurrency is an enigmatic labyrinth, full of potential yet rife with complexities. How can one traverse this digital terrain with confidence? A recent project, Spot On Chain (SOC), harnesses AI and on-chain analytics to provide a smarter solution to crypto investments. Today, we'll make sure to look into all the features brought together by this team. From Onchain Signals Newsfeed to Blockchain Personal AI Analyst, the project has a wide offer for the everyday crypto user. What…

The Problems Killing Web3 Projects – How Enflux’s 2-Week Free Solution Can Help

In the rapidly growing burgeoning realm of Web3, projects face unexpected hurdles that threaten their success. One of the primary challenges lies with the market makers: their lack of transparency and collaboration. This article delves into these pressing issues, exploring their implications and unveiling how they stalled growth for numerous projects. We're also shedding light on solutions that could help projects navigate through these murky waters. The Lack of Transparency Among Market Makers The cryptocurrency market, known for its pillars…

Publish your own article

Guest post article. Guaranteed publishing with just a few clicks

START PUBLISHING ADVERTISE WITH US

Browse categories

Explore trending topics in the crypto community right now.

Bitcoin

SEC Greenlights Multiple Bitcoin ETFs, Signaling Major Leap for Cryptocurrency Markets

The U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC) has made a landmark decision by approving 11 spot bitcoin exchange-traded funds (ETFs). This move represents a significant moment in the cryptocurrency industry, marking a shift towards greater institutional adoption and accessibility for investors. The approved ETFs include products from major firms such as BlackRock’s iShares Bitcoin Trust, Grayscale Bitcoin Trust, ARK 21Shares Bitcoin ETF, Bitwise Bitcoin ETP Trust, WisdomTree Bitcoin Fund, Fidelity Wise Origin Bitcoin Trust, VanEck Bitcoin Trust, Invesco Galaxy Bitcoin…

Bitcoin Should be Banned in the United States: Charlie Munger

Berkshire Hathaway’s vice chairman, Charlie Munger, called for a ban on cryptocurrency in the United States on Monday, similar to the one in China.  In an op-ed published with the Wall Street Journal, Munger argued that Bitcoin isn’t a currency, commodity, or security, but simply a form of gambling “ with a nearly 100% edge for the house. As such, the enactment of a federal law should ban such things from happening. Munger cited the Chinese communist party’s ban on…

Tesla’s BTC Positions Remained Unchanged in Q4 of 2022

According to a new earning report from automotive manufacturer Tesla, the company did not sell any of its BTC holdings in the fourth quarter of 2022. Amid speculations that the company had traded BTC during the testing bears, CEO Elon Musk revealed it was yet holding on to its BTC stash. Tesla Maintains Holdings After Initial Sell-Off In Q2 of 2022, Tesla opted to sell 75% of all its BTC. The car manufacturer received close to $950M in exchange. Notably,…

Here’s When Grayscale Debates the SEC in Court on its Bitcoin Spot ETF

The District of Columbia Court of Appeals has marked a date for when Grayscale and the Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC) may present oral arguments regarding the approval of a Bitcoin spot ETF.  Each side will present its case at 9:30 am ET on March 7, with the SEC arguing against the product, and Grayscale arguing in favor.  Grayscale VS SEC The court date – revealed in a court order filed on Monday according to CNBC – is much earlier…

MORE ARTICLES

Ethereum

Ethereum’s Zhejiang Staking Withdrawal Testnet for Shanghai is Live

At 15:00 UTC on Wednesday, the much-anticipated Zhejiang testnet for staking withdrawal went live on Ethereum’s Beacon chain. Zhejiang will enable the testing of the Ethereum Improvement Proposal (EIP) 4895 which allows for staking withdrawals. This is in preparation for the network’s next major update, the Shanghai hard fork slated to launch sometime in March. Users Can Make Simulated Withdrawals with Zhejiang In a tweet yesterday, DevOps engineer at Ethereum foundation Barnabas Busa gave details about the Zhejiang testnet slated…

Ethereum Devs Disagree Over Technical Tweak as Shanghai Upgrade Nears

Post-merge Ethereum users have been eagerly awaiting the commencement of the network’s next major upgrade, Shanghai. However, after over 3 months of prep time, it appears the Shanghai rollout isn’t going as smoothly as expected. What Exactly is the Shanghai Upgrade? In September last year, the much-publicized Ethereum Merge also known as the Ethereum 2.0 upgrade went live. Ethereum underwent some significant changes as its consensus mechanism transitioned from proof-of-work to a cost-efficient proof-of-stake system.  However, since the Beacon launch…

FTX Hacker Converts 50k Stolen ETH to BTC

Per a report from blockchain analysis firm Chainalysis, the attacker behind the Nov 11 FTX exploit, is converting the stolen ETH to Bitcoin. There were muted fears the seemingly inexperienced perpetrator could dump all its ETH holdings. On Sunday, the attacker dumped 50k ETH on-chain, with ETH's price dipping by almost 7%.  https://twitter.com/chainalysis/status/1594349583416840199?s=20&t=pgvQHeVytI20eKQ1ls9bxw Hacker Moves 50,000 ETH to New Address Over the past week, the perpetrator had been steadily swapping the cryptocurrencies they had carted off for Ether tokens. This…

Censorship Concerns: 51% of Ethereum Blocks Now OFAC Compliant

According to new data, over half of the blocks on the Ethereum network now reportedly comply with the US Treasury OFAC’s standards. This comes roughly a month after the platform’s monumental merge update. Phasing Out Tornado Cash The Office of Foreign Assets Control is the intelligence and enforcement agency of the US  Treasury Department. Indeed, the OFAC administers and enforces US  financial sanctions. A prime example of this is the recent, highly-publicized ban on crypto mixer Tornado Cash.  According to…

MORE ARTICLES

Trading

How to Leverage Arbitrage Opportunities in Crypto Markets

Cryptocurrency arbitrage has become an increasingly popular investment strategy as the crypto market grows and evolves. Arbitrage involves taking advantage of pricing discrepancies between markets or exchanges to profit.  Investors can leverage profit opportunities by understanding cryptocurrency arbitrage while managing associated risks. In this guide, we'll explore cryptocurrency arbitrage and how it works. A Bitcoin-related example will help us illustrate the concepts of this strategy. What is Arbitrage and How Does it Work in Crypto Markets Crypto arbitrage trading is…

The Different Types of Copy Trading in Crypto

Are you interested in trading cryptocurrencies but feel intimidated by the complexity of the process? Copy trading is a great way to get into crypto without needing to be an experienced trader. With copy trading, investors can benefit from the experience and knowledge of more experienced traders, allowing even beginners to succeed. How does copy trading work, and which tips do you need to know to succeed? In this article, we'll explore all aspects of copy trading in crypto. What…

How to Spot an Unsafe Crypto Exchange

Cryptocurrency exchanges have become increasingly popular as they provide a platform for people to buy and sell digital assets. Unfortunately, not all crypto exchanges are safe or reliable.  With the rise of cybercrime and fraud, you must learn to spot an unsafe crypto exchange before investing your money. This guide will help beginners identify and avoid potential risks when selecting a cryptocurrency exchange.  The Role of Crypto Exchanges on the Digital Assets Market Cryptocurrency exchanges play a crucial role in…

What Is Grid Trading in Crypto?

Crypto grid trading has become a popular strategy because of its ability to help traders capitalize on market volatility. Grid trading means you can produce consistent profits by taking advantage of price differences in different markets or time frames. By establishing buy and sell orders at predetermined intervals, you can take advantage of these fluctuations in an automated way. This guide will explore the different aspects of grid trading and provide an overview of its benefits, challenges, and more. Through…

MORE ARTICLES

Tech

Introducing una Messenger: A Paradigm Shift in Blockchain Connectivity

The digital landscape is set for an unprecedented transformation with the introduction of una Messenger, the latest innovation from web3 development powerhouse Wemade. This platform represents an evolution of the "PAPYRUS Messenger," serving as the cornerstone of the ambitious "unagi" initiative, aimed at catalyzing the mass adoption of blockchain technology. The "Unbound Networking & Accelerating Growth Initiative" seeks to bridge the divides between diverse blockchain services and networks, heralding a new era of interconnectedness. A New Frontier in Blockchain Communication…

Bit2Me Champions WEMIX Token in Pioneering European Listing

Bit2Me, Spain's premier virtual asset exchange, has recently broadened the horizons for cryptocurrency enthusiasts by listing WEMIX, the cornerstone token of the WEMIX3.0 blockchain ecosystem. This marks a notable achievement as WEMIX's inaugural venture into the European market, emphasizing the token's role in facilitating a range of blockchain-based activities, from gaming transactions to decentralized finance (DeFi) applications. Launched with the intention to democratize access to WEMIX for the 450 million Spanish speakers around the globe, this strategic move aligns with…

CryptoVirally Expands with Fresh Crypto Marketing Offers and Cointelegraph Upgrades

In an exciting update for the cryptocurrency marketing landscape, CryptoVirally has announced a series of new entries and enhancements to its already comprehensive range of services. These updates, aimed at providing tailored marketing solutions for crypto projects, include new limited-time offers and expanded options for Cointelegraph publications. Limited Offers: A Game-Changer in Crypto Marketing  CryptoVirally's limited offers section presents an enticing opportunity for crypto projects to leverage high-impact marketing services at discounted rates. These offers, available for a limited period,…

Breaking Boundaries in Blockchain: WEMIX’s ‘una Wallet’ Sets New Standard for Multi-Chain Asset Management

The WEMIX Foundation has unveiled 'una Wallet,' a revolutionary digital wallet designed to offer unparalleled convenience and security in managing digital assets across various blockchain networks. The announcement, made on January 17, 2024, signifies a new era in the seamless integration of multiple blockchain protocols, including Arbitrum, Avalanche, BNB Smart Chain, Ethereum, Kroma, Optimism, Polygon, and WEMIX3.0. 'una Wallet' is more than just a digital wallet; it represents the culmination of WEMIX's innovative efforts in the blockchain space. It serves…

MORE ARTICLES