Forms of investing in cryptocurrency
A guideline on the different ways in which one can invest in cryptocurrency
Sarah Njoka
2/5/20242 min read


Since their debut, cryptocurrencies have been highly volatile. It is this volatility that subjects them to be risky as well as being highly profitable at times. Many cryptocurrencies already exist, with Bitcoin being the most commonly known. People can invest in cryptocurrency in various forms, such as buying different cryptocurrencies directly or investing in cryptocurrency companies or funds. Those who invest in crypto coins directly can obtain them through reliable brokers, apps, or cryptocurrency exchanges.
Forms of investing in cryptocurrency
Buying cryptocurrency directly
Buying directly might involve buying and holding, swing trading, or day trading.
Buying and holding – An investor can buy and hold one or more cryptocurrencies directly for the long term, not focusing on short-term market fluctuations. This decision relies on the belief that cryptocurrency value rises over time.
Swing trading – It involves holding cryptocurrencies for some days or weeks to benefit from price ‘swings’ in a trend. A swing investor focuses on the benefits from upward and downward price movements on a broader trend.
Day trading – Day investors buy and sell cryptocurrency within the same day, benefiting from short-term price changes. They profit from market volatility while capitalizing on price fluctuations.
Cryptocurrency exchanges
This strategy entails buying and selling cryptocurrency on online platforms. The exchanges provide a platform and liquidity for users to trade cryptocurrencies depending on the market prices.
Token sales and initial coin offerings (ICOs)
Investors take part in token sales or ICOs to acquire newly issued tokens at an early stage of a project. The investment entails supporting a project in its initial stage and potentially benefiting from its value appreciation in the future.
Yield farming and staking
Yield farming entails offering liquidity to decentralized finance (DeFi) protocols to benefit from the rewards. Staking entails locking cryptocurrencies to enhance the operations of a blockchain network and earn profits. In the two strategies, traders earn additional cryptocurrencies as a reward for liquidity provision or participation in network activities.
Mining
Mining entails computational power that secures a blockchain network and validates transactions, earning newly created cryptocurrencies as a reward.
Exchange Traded Funds (ETFs) and cryptocurrency funds
Traders can invest in ETFs and cryptocurrency funds holding a portfolio of digital assets. These funds offer professional management and diversification, offering the traders exposure to the market without directly owning the assets.
Peer-to-peer lending
Peer-to-peer platforms allow traders to borrow or lend cryptocurrencies directly from each other. Borrowers have access to funds without the involvement of traditional financial intermediaries, and lenders earn interest on their cryptocurrency holdings.
Before taking any cryptocurrency investment, investors must conduct research, consider their investment goals, and understand the risks to determine the most appropriate and profitable investment form.