Bitcoin Futures: What They Are, and How To Trade Them

Bitcoin futures have emerged as a pivotal element within the financial market, especially for cryptocurrency enthusiasts, investors, and financial traders. These investment tools have received great attention due to the increasing demand for cryptocurrencies and the rising popularity of Bitcoin as a digital asset.

A differentiating factor of Bitcoin futures is that they allow investors to speculate on the future price of Bitcoin (BTC) without actually owning the underlying asset. 

This makes Bitcoin futures a highly attractive investment option for those who are interested in trading Bitcoin but don’t want to deal with the complexities of owning and storing the digital currency.

This article will discuss Bitcoin futures in more detail, exploring what they are, how they work, and how you can trade them. 

What Is a Cryptocurrency Derivative?

A common term associated with the Bitcoin futures market is “cryptocurrency derivative.” This relatively new concept hit the financial market in 2017 when Bitcoin futures were launched on the Chicago Mercantile Exchange (CME).  

In simple terms, a cryptocurrency derivative is a financial instrument that derives its value from the underlying cryptocurrency — in this case, Bitcoin. 

These derivatives are contracts between two parties where they agree to buy or sell the underlying asset at an agreed-upon price in the future. Depending on the underlying asset’s price movement, the trader can make a profit or suffer a loss.

While crypto derivatives are similar to traditional derivatives in terms of their function, they differ in several ways:

• Value: Crypto derivatives are based on the value of a digital asset rather than a physical asset like stocks, commodities, or currencies.
• Market: Traditional derivatives are traded in traditional financial markets, while crypto derivatives are traded in cryptocurrency exchanges and platforms.
• Regulation: Unlike traditional derivatives, cryptocurrencies and their derivatives operate in a decentralized market. They are not regulated by a central authority or the government, making them a riskier investment option. 
• Volatility: Cryptocurrencies are known for their high volatility, which is reflected in their derivatives‘ price movements. The value of a cryptocurrency derivative can change significantly in a short period, making it a riskier investment option compared to traditional derivatives.
• Leverage trading: Crypto derivatives often allow traders to use leverage, which means they can trade with more capital than they actually have. While this can amplify profits, it also makes losses riskier.

 

Different Types of Cryptocurrency Derivatives

It’s important to understand the different types of cryptocurrency derivatives so you can choose the right one for your investment goals. There are three main types of cryptocurrency derivatives: futures, options, and swaps. Each offers different functions and risk profiles.

• Futures: These contracts obligate traders to buy or sell cryptocurrencies at a predetermined price on a specific future date. Futures are considered riskier derivatives as they involve higher leverage and can result in significant gains or losses within a short period. They are best suited for experienced traders who can accurately predict price movements. 
• Options: Crypto options give traders the right, but not the obligation, to buy or sell Bitcoin at a set price and time in the future. Unlike futures, options do not require traders to fulfill the contract — they can choose to let it expire if it’s not profitable. This makes options a less risky derivative compared to futures. 
• Swaps: Perpetual crypto swaps are futures contracts without fixed expiration dates. They leverage a funding rate mechanism to ensure the contract’s value remains close to the underlying asset’s market price. Traders can hold the contracts indefinitely until they choose to close their position, making them a lower-risk derivative compared to futures and options.

 

What Are Bitcoin Futures?

Bitcoin futures are no different from traditional futures contracts, except that their underlying asset is Bitcoin. They are binding agreements to buy or sell a certain amount of Bitcoin at an agreed-upon price and date in the future. 

A trader can take a long or short position, depending on whether they think the price of Bitcoin will go up or down. The contractual aspects of Bitcoin futures include:

• Contract size: This is the amount of Bitcoin that the contract represents. For example, one CME Bitcoin futures contract represents five Bitcoins.
• Price quote: This is the agreed-upon price at which the contract will be settled. It’s usually based on the current market price of one Bitcoin and is quoted in USD.
• Expiration date: This is the date on which the contract expires and is settled. CME Bitcoin futures contracts expire on the last Friday of the contract month.  
• Settlement: There are two ways to settle Bitcoin futures: cash or physical delivery. Cash settlement means that the contract is settled in cash, and the trader receives or pays the difference between the contract price and the current market price of Bitcoin. Physical delivery means that upon expiration, the trader receives or delivers the actual Bitcoin tokens at the agreed-upon price. 

 

The purpose of Bitcoin futures is to provide a way for traders and investors to hedge or speculate on the future price of Bitcoin. Hedging allows traders to mitigate the risk of losses in their cryptocurrency portfolio, while speculating enables them to profit from price movements without owning the underlying asset. 

How to Trade Bitcoin Futures

Trading Bitcoin futures requires a solid understanding of the market, comprehensive risk management strategies, and access to a reputable trading platform. Here is a step-by-step guide on how to trade Bitcoin futures:

1. Choose a reputable trading platform: Look for a regulated platform that offers Bitcoin futures trading. The platform should have a user-friendly interface, competitive fees, and reliable customer support. Check reviews and ratings from other traders to ensure the platform has a good reputation.   
2. Open an account: Next, create an account on your chosen trading platform. You will need to provide personal information, such as your name, contact details, and proof of identification. Once your account is verified, you can deposit funds to start trading.
3. Learn about risk management: Before placing any trades, it’s crucial to understand and implement risk management strategies. This includes setting stop-loss orders, diversifying your portfolio, and not risking more than you can afford to lose. Think about what you deem an acceptable risk-to-reward ratio before entering a trade.
4. Research and analyze the market: Familiarize yourself with Bitcoin’s price movements and any significant news or events that may impact the market. Use technical and fundamental analyses to identify potential trade opportunities. 
5. Select a contract and enter the trade: Once you have a trading strategy, select the Bitcoin futures contract that fits your goals and risk tolerance. Enter the trade by specifying the contract unit, price quote, and margin requirements.
6. Monitor and manage your position: Regularly monitor your position and adjust your strategy as needed. You can either close out the trade or let it expire, depending on your trading plan.

Strategies commonly used in trading Bitcoin futures include:

• Trend following: This involves identifying and trading in the direction of a trend. Traders use technical indicators, such as moving averages, to determine the trend’s direction and enter a trade accordingly.
• Mean reversion: Traders betting on this strategy believe that the price of Bitcoin will eventually revert to its mean or average price. They enter a trade when the price deviates significantly from the mean, expecting it to return to normal.
• Arbitrage: Traders use arbitrage strategies to exploit price differences between different markets. For example, if Bitcoin is trading at a higher price on one exchange than another, traders can buy low and sell high, profiting from the difference.

 

Always backtest these strategies and conduct thorough research before implementing them in live trading. It’s also essential to constantly adapt and adjust your strategies as the market evolves.

Top Exchanges for Cryptocurrency Futures

Here are some of the top exchanges for cryptocurrency futures: 

1. CME: This platform has an intuitive interface that’s easy to use, and it offers competitive fees. The exchange also has high liquidity, making it easier to enter and exit trades at desired prices. 
2. Binance: This leading cryptocurrency exchange also offers Bitcoin and other cryptocurrency futures trading. It has low fees, high liquidity, and a user-friendly interface suitable for both beginner and advanced traders. 
3. OKX: OKX is known for its large trading volumes and diverse range of cryptocurrency futures contracts. It has competitive fees, advanced trading tools, and a user-friendly interface. OKX also offers margin trading with leverage of up to 100x, featuring 200+ trading pairs. 
4. BitMEX: BitMEX is a leading cryptocurrency futures exchange known for its high-leverage options. It offers up to 100x leverage on Bitcoin and other cryptocurrencies, making it an attractive option for traders looking for higher risk/reward opportunities. Although the interface may be more complex for beginners, it provides advanced trading features and high liquidity. 

 

How Banks and Financial Institutions Utilize Bitcoin Futures

Bitcoin futures are not only relevant to individual traders and investors — they also play a significant role in the operations of banks and financial institutions. These entities can utilize Bitcoin futures for risk management and investment opportunities.

Managing Risk Against Price Fluctuations

Banks and financial institutions face significant risks when dealing with cryptocurrencies — mainly due to the volatility of their prices. These institutions can use Bitcoin futures to hedge against price fluctuations and manage their exposure to these risks. 

Banks can lock in a price for Bitcoin, reducing the impact of any sudden market movements. This allows them to manage their risk exposure better and maintain financial stability.

Bitcoin Futures as an Investment

Financial institutions can offer their clients Bitcoin futures to diversify their investment portfolio without directly holding the underlying cryptocurrencies. This exposes clients to digital assets within a regulated framework, reducing the risk of holding cryptocurrencies directly. 

Additionally, Bitcoin futures allow for strategic planning, as clients can take long or short positions based on their market outlook. This provides speculative opportunities for potential gains within a regulated environment. 

Unlike spot trading, futures contracts have a predetermined expiry date, providing clients with a structured and managed investment opportunity. This can lead to higher returns for clients, as they can capitalize on price movements within a specific timeframe.

What Are the Disadvantages of Bitcoin Futures?

Bitcoin futures appeal to traders due to their high leverage and potential for significant gains. However, with these opportunities come potential downsides that traders must consider before entering the market.

• Price volatility: Bitcoin is known for its extreme price volatility, which can quickly lead to significant gains or losses. For instance, during Bitcoin halving events, the price can experience significant fluctuations, which can impact futures contracts. Traders must be prepared for sudden and drastic price movements when trading Bitcoin futures.
• Counterparty risk: Since futures contracts involve two parties, there is always a risk of the counterparty defaulting on their obligations. The non-defaulting party may suffer significant losses in the event of a default. This risk is amplified in unregulated exchanges with less stringent risk management protocols.
• Regulatory changes: The legality and regulations surrounding cryptocurrencies and futures trading are still evolving, partially fueled by concerns about sustainability and energy consumption. Sudden regulatory changes can impact the market and traders’ positions. 
• Possibility of substantial losses: Due to the high leverage involved in Bitcoin futures trading, there is also the possibility of significant losses. Traders must thoroughly understand risk management and be prepared to handle potential losses.
• Trading volumes: The trading volumes of Bitcoin futures are still relatively low compared to traditional financial markets. Liquidity can be an issue, making it challenging to enter or exit positions quickly.
• Unregulated exchanges: Many exchanges offering Bitcoin futures are unregulated. This means there may be higher risks, such as potential market manipulation and lack of investor protection.  

 

Bitcoin Futures vs. Bitcoin Options: What’s the Difference?

Bitcoin futures and options are both derivatives contracts. Traders can use both to speculate on the price of Bitcoin, but they differ significantly in terms of their structure and potential outcomes.

While Bitcoin futures provide traders with an obligation to buy or sell Bitcoin at a predetermined price and date in the future, options give traders the right to do so. In other words, futures contracts are binding, while options provide more flexibility for the trader. 

The table below summarizes the main differences between Bitcoin futures and options:

Aspect	Differences
– Potential for losses	– With Bitcoin futures, traders can lose more than their initial investment if the market moves against them. This is due to the high leverage involved in futures trading. Options have a limited risk as traders can only lose the premium paid for the contract.
– Expiration date	– Futures contracts have a set expiration date, while options have an expiration period. This means traders must exercise their options before the expiration date, or they will expire worthless. This adds an extra layer of complexity to options trading, so it requires more active management.
– Financial implications	– Bitcoin futures contracts involve margin requirements, where traders must deposit a percentage of the contract’s value upfront. This allows for high leverage but also means traders can lose more than their initial investment. Options require a premium payment upfront, which is the maximum potential loss for the trader.
– Preference for long or short positions	– Bitcoin options provide more flexibility for traders to take long or short positions, while futures contracts are generally used for hedging against price fluctuations. This means traders with a more directional outlook may prefer options, while those looking for risk management might lean towards futures.

Frequently Asked Questions

Are Bitcoin Futures Risky?

Yes, Bitcoin futures come with inherent risks, such as market volatility and leverage, which can lead to significant financial gains or losses. Bitcoin’s market volatility is notoriously high, as its price is in the discovery phase, making it prone to sudden and drastic price movements. 

Additionally, the high leverage offered by Bitcoin futures means that traders can potentially magnify their gains or losses by a significant amount.

Are Crypto Futures Legal in the U.S.?

Yes, crypto futures are legal in the U.S. and are regulated by the Commodity Futures Trading Commission (CFTC). The CFTC considers Bitcoin a commodity, and therefore, it falls under its jurisdiction. 

Any exchange offering crypto futures must register with the CFTC and comply with its regulations, such as Anti-Money Laundering (AML) and Know-Your-Customer (KYC) requirements.

How Long Can You Hold Bitcoin Futures?

The duration for holding Bitcoin futures contracts varies depending on the contract’s expiration date, which is predetermined and can range from a few days to several months. 

Traders can choose to close their positions at any time before the expiration date, depending on their market outlook and risk management strategy. Factors that may influence how long a trader holds a position include market volatility, trading strategy, and potential price movements.

How AlphaPoint Helps With Bitcoin Futures

Trading Bitcoin futures can be a complex and risky process, especially for novice traders, but the right platform can make it easier for investors to explore crypto futures. 

AlphaPoint is a leading white-label cryptocurrency exchange software provider that offers digital asset infrastructure solutions to financial institutions, exchanges, and enterprises. With AlphaPoint’s technology, businesses can launch and run their own crypto futures exchange, providing a secure and customizable platform for trading Bitcoin futures. 

With a comprehensive suite of features, including risk management tools and liquidity solutions, AlphaPoint solutions help traders make informed decisions and manage their positions effectively.

Ready to explore the future of trading? Request a demo with AlphaPoint today and revolutionize your trading experience.