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Interactive Options Course
Trading Term
Bitcoin launched in 2009 as the first decentralized digital currency. New bitcoins are created through proof-of-work mining, with a fixed supply of 21 million. Bitcoin was designed as peer-to-peer money and is commonly used as a store of value or to transfer funds globally. Compared to other cryptoassets, Bitcoin focuses almost entirely on monetary use rather than applications.
For example: BTC can be used to send value on a peer-to-peer basis globally (e.g., 0.5 BTC may be sent from one country to someone in a different country). BTC transactions are broadcast to the Bitcoin blockchain, validated by miners using Proof-of-Work. BTC is purely digital cash—no smart contracts—focused on secure, censorship-resistant transfers.
Some investors are drawn to Bitcoin for its scarcity, long track record, and role as the largest and most widely recognized cryptoasset. When traded via Interactive Brokers, execution and custody are handled through regulated partners Paxos or Zero Hash. Settlement occurs on the Bitcoin blockchain, typically within 30 to 60 minutes.
IBKR FAQ: Cryptocurrency products offered
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Trading Bitcoin involves significant risk. Bitcoin prices can be highly volatile and may fluctuate rapidly, potentially resulting in substantial losses. Because Bitcoin operates on a decentralized blockchain, network congestion or technical issues may occasionally delay transaction settlement. Regulatory frameworks for digital assets are still evolving and could impact availability, liquidity, or pricing. When trading through Interactive Brokers, execution and custody are facilitated by regulated partners such as Paxos or Zero Hash; however, these arrangements do not eliminate the possibility of operational or counterparty risk.
Trading in digital assets, including cryptocurrencies, is especially risky and is only for individuals with a high risk tolerance and the financial ability to sustain losses. For more information about the risks surrounding the trading of Digital Assets please see the “Disclosure of Risks of Trading Digital Assets“.
IB is not party to any transactions in digital assets and does not custody digital assets on your behalf. All digital asset transactions occur on the Paxos Trust Company (“Paxos”) or Zero Hash LLC (“Zero Hash”) exchanges. Any positions in digital assets are custodied solely with Paxos or Zero Hash and held in an account in your name outside of IB.
Digital assets held with Paxos or Zero Hash are not protected by SIPC.
For more information about eligibility to trade digital assets with Paxos or Zero Hash, please see the FAQ.
Zero Hash LLC and Zero Hash Liquidity Services LLC are licensed to engage in Virtual Currency Business Activity by the New York State Department of Financial Services.
INTERACTIVE BROKERS LLC IS A MEMBER OF NFA AND IS SUBJECT TO NFA’S REGULATORY OVERSIGHT AND EXAMINATIONS. HOWEVER, YOU SHOULD BE AWARE THAT NFA DOES NOT HAVE REGULATORY OVERSIGHT AUTHORITY OVER UNDERLYING OR SPOT VIRTUAL CURRENCY PRODUCTS OR TRANSACTIONS OR VIRTUAL CURRENCY EXCHANGES, CUSTODIANS OR MARKETS.
