The era of mass Bitcoin adoption is here — and 2024 marks a pivotal turning point in the evolution of digital assets. With two major developments reshaping the landscape, cryptocurrency is becoming more accessible, secure, and appealing than ever before.
First, the U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC) approved the first spot Bitcoin ETF in January 2024. This milestone allows everyday investors to gain exposure to Bitcoin through traditional financial instruments like exchange-traded funds. Not only does this lower the barrier to entry, but it also brings institutional oversight and legitimacy. Ethereum’s spot ETF is now under review, signaling broader acceptance across the crypto ecosystem.
Second, Taiwan’s Virtual Asset Service Provider (VASP) Association officially launched in June 2024, ushering in a new era of regulation. This means local investors can soon access compliant, secure platforms for trading digital assets — significantly reducing risks associated with fraud and unregulated exchanges.
As the infrastructure matures, a growing number of investors are turning to active strategies like day trading to capitalize on market movements. In a recent episode of Business Today's podcast This Week’s Big Ears, Winston Hsiao, Co-Founder and Group Revenue Officer at XREX, revealed why cryptocurrency — particularly Bitcoin — is uniquely suited for day trading compared to traditional markets.
Why Cryptocurrency Deserves Your Attention
Despite persistent myths around volatility and security, digital assets are gaining recognition from mainstream institutions. In June 2024, Industrial and Commercial Bank of China (ICBC) released a rare analysis describing Bitcoin as “digital gold” due to its scarcity, while Ethereum was likened to “digital oil” for powering decentralized applications.
The launch of spot Bitcoin ETFs validates blockchain technology as a foundation for real financial products traded on one of the world’s most regulated markets. Even large institutional players are taking notice: GRP, a U.S. pension fund managing over $100 billion in assets, disclosed holdings across all seven approved spot Bitcoin ETFs in May 2024.
“This may be the only time in our lifetimes — across generations — that we witness the birth of an entirely new asset class,” said Hsiao. “It’s incredibly rare. And that’s why people should pay attention.”
Financial expert Mr. Market (Hsu Chi-Yuan) echoed this sentiment, noting that blockchain technology addresses real-world financial inefficiencies by reducing transaction costs and increasing speed and transparency. These tangible benefits support long-term growth potential beyond speculation.
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Why Day Trading Fits Crypto — Better Than Stocks
Day trading, or intraday trading, involves buying and selling an asset within the same trading day to profit from short-term price fluctuations. While common in stock markets like Taiwan’s, where about 40% of total volume comes from day traders, many struggle due to structural limitations.
According to Yahoo Finance, Taiwan’s day traders lost a combined NT$23.9 billion in 2023 — averaging NT$240,000 per account after fees and taxes. Winston Hsiao identifies four key reasons why traditional markets hinder success — and how cryptocurrency outperforms in each area.
1. Lower Transaction Costs
In Taiwan’s stock market, a single round-trip trade (buy + sell) incurs approximately 0.285% in brokerage fees and 0.15% in securities transaction tax — totaling nearly 0.435% in costs before any profit is made. On most regulated crypto exchanges, trading fees range between 0.05% and 0.2%, significantly improving net returns.
2. Higher Liquidity and Volatility
Stocks face a trade-off: large-cap stocks offer liquidity but low volatility, limiting profit potential; small-cap stocks have higher price swings but often suffer from poor liquidity ("price without market" or "market without price").
Crypto markets operate 24/7, with no daily trading limits or holidays. Unlike stocks with fixed hours and circuit breakers (like the U.S.’s halt mechanism), cryptocurrencies can move freely based on global demand — ideal for traders seeking high-momentum opportunities.
3. Greater Leverage and Capital Efficiency
Taiwan’s stock market caps intraday leverage at 1.5x, restricting how much capital traders can deploy. In contrast, most compliant crypto platforms allow 3x to 5x leverage within safe risk parameters, enabling better use of available funds without overexposure.
4. No T+2 Settlement Risk
Taiwan uses a T+2 settlement system — payment occurs two business days after trade execution. If an investor places a trade without sufficient funds, they risk delivery default, which harms credit and could lead to legal consequences.
Crypto transactions settle instantly. What you buy or sell reflects immediately in your balance — eliminating counterparty risk and ensuring full control over your positions.
Is Crypto Investing Just Gambling?
Many still equate crypto investing with gambling — especially given past incidents where unregulated exchanges profited from user liquidations. But Hsiao emphasizes these were isolated behaviors from bad actors during crypto’s early, unregulated phase.
Just as financial regulators protect investors in traditional markets, Taiwan’s VASP Association — now under the supervision of the Financial Supervisory Commission — aims to enforce transparency, accountability, and consumer protection across licensed platforms.
“Investing is about long-term value; speculation focuses on short-term price moves,” Hsiao explains. “Both exist in every market. The key is managing risk and choosing regulated, responsibly operated platforms.”
When integrated thoughtfully into a diversified portfolio, digital assets can serve both strategic investment goals and tactical trading opportunities.
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Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
Q: Is day trading cryptocurrency safer than stocks?
A: While crypto is more volatile, its lower fees, instant settlement, and absence of forced delivery risks make it structurally safer for active traders — provided you use compliant platforms and proper risk management.
Q: Do I need experience to start crypto day trading?
A: Yes. Due to rapid price movements and leverage options, crypto day trading suits those with prior market knowledge, discipline, and emotional control. Beginners should start small and educate themselves first.
Q: Can I trade crypto during weekends or holidays?
A: Absolutely. One major advantage is that crypto markets never close — operating 24/7 year-round — giving traders flexibility to respond to global news anytime.
Q: Are profits from crypto trading taxable?
A: Yes, depending on your jurisdiction. In Taiwan, gains from virtual asset transactions may be subject to income or capital gains tax. Always consult a local tax advisor.
Q: How do I choose a reliable crypto exchange?
A: Look for platforms with government licenses (e.g., MAS in Singapore), strong security practices (cold storage, audits), transparent fee structures, and good customer support.
Q: Will regulatory oversight reduce crypto’s profit potential?
A: Regulation may limit extreme speculation but increases market stability and attracts institutional capital — ultimately supporting sustainable long-term growth.
As the world embraces digital assets through ETFs and formal regulation, now is the time to understand how cryptocurrency opens new doors for active investors.
Whether you're exploring portfolio diversification or refining your day trading approach, the combination of low costs, high liquidity, flexible leverage, and round-the-clock markets makes crypto a compelling frontier.
👉 Start building your crypto strategy with real-time insights and secure trading tools now.