Your Gateway to Crypto
Discover how the world of crypto began with Bitcoin the revolutionary decentralized currency. Learn the basics before entering a $3 trillion market.
Imagine a Financial System Without Banks
No banks. No middlemen. Just you, your digital wallet, and a currency that moves directly from one person to another—securely, transparently, and without interference. That was the original idea behind Bitcoin. Since Bitcoin’s launch, the crypto market has grown rapidly. As of this writing, over 15,000 digital assets are being traded globally, with a total market value that once surpassed $3 trillion.
So how do you enter this market—and what should you know before you do?
The Idea Behind Bitcoin
Bitcoin was the first cryptocurrency, launched in 2009 by an unknown individual or group under the pseudonym Satoshi Nakamoto.
Its purpose? To allow anyone, anywhere, to send money to someone else securely and reliably—without needing a bank or third party.
Bitcoin is fully decentralized. No single authority controls it. Instead, it's maintained by a global network of users who validate transactions and secure the system using blockchain technology.
One of Bitcoin’s most powerful features is its built-in supply cap: only 21 million coins will ever exist. This scarcity makes it resistant to inflation and uncontrolled printing—unlike most fiat currencies and even other cryptocurrencies.
What Are Altcoins?
After Bitcoin came a wave of other digital assets, often referred to as altcoins (short for “alternative coins”)—which includes every cryptocurrency that isn’t Bitcoin.
Each altcoin is designed with a unique purpose:
- Some, like Ethereum, are platforms for building apps and launching new tokens.
- Others aim to improve Bitcoin’s performance with faster transaction speeds or lower fees.
But unlike Bitcoin, most altcoins are not fully decentralized. Many are backed by known development teams and early investors who may hold large shares of the coin, giving them influence over its direction. Because of this, altcoins vary widely in quality and transparency—so they require careful research before investing.
How to Start with Crypto
Technically, getting started with crypto is easy. All you need is an account on a crypto exchange.
But you are responsible for your funds—there’s no bank to call if something goes wrong.
Before investing or trading, it’s essential to understand the basics:
- The difference between hot wallets and cold wallets
- How to protect your private keys and passwords
- How to test transactions with small amounts before sending anything significant
And if you're not ready to directly manage digital wallets and the responsibility of self-custody, there are regulated and licensed alternatives such as spot Bitcoin and Ethereum exchange-traded funds (Spot ETFs).
Bitcoin & Ethereum Spot ETFs
Spot ETFs let you invest in digital assets like Bitcoin or Ethereum without actually owning or storing the crypto yourself. They’re traded on traditional stock exchanges, just like any stock or ETF, and aim to track the price of the underlying asset.
Spot ETFs are a great option for investors who want exposure to crypto performance without dealing with blockchain technology or wallet security.
We’ve reviewed the top Bitcoin and Ethereum Spot ETFs, and explained the difference between owning crypto directly and investing through a fund.
Top Bitcoin Spot ETFs – BTC Spot ETFs
Top Ethereum Spot ETFs - ETH Spot ETFs
Final Takeaway
Altcoins came later, offering innovation, speed, and new use cases.
But despite the variety of opportunities in the crypto space, understanding comes first. Learn the basics. Know how to protect your funds. And if direct crypto ownership feels too complex, explore alternatives like Spot ETFs. Because in crypto, knowledge isn’t just power—it’s protection.