Crypto Basics

Best Risk Management Strategies for Crypto Investors

Discover the best risk management strategies for crypto investors. Safeguard your investments with expert advice and minimize potential losses.
S. Vishwa
6 Minutes
MIN

In the volatile world of cryptocurrency investing, it is crucial for investors to have a solid understanding of risk management strategies. 

While many investors focus solely on potential returns, it is equally important to prioritize risk mitigation in order to achieve long-term success. 

By implementing effective risk management strategies, investors can minimize losses and maximize their risk-adjusted returns over time.

What is Risk Management?

Risk management plays a critical role in making informed investment decisions. It involves assessing and mitigating potential risks associated with investing in crypto assets. 

While it is impossible to eliminate all risks, a proactive approach to risk management can significantly reduce the impact of adverse events on your investment portfolio.

One of the key aspects of risk management is understanding that a negative return can have a more significant impact on long-term performance than an equivalent positive return. 

For example, if you invest $100 and experience a 50% loss, your investment would be reduced to $50. To recoup the entire 50% loss, you would need a 100% gain. This highlights the importance of managing risk to protect your capital and enhance your overall returns.

Types of Risks in Crypto Investing

To effectively manage risk, it is essential to categorize them into different types. This helps investors better understand the nature of risks and develop appropriate strategies to mitigate them.

In the world of cryptocurrency investing, risks can be broadly classified into two categories:

Systemic Risk: These risks are inherent to the entire market and affect all assets within it. For example, regulatory changes or a major security breach can impact the entire crypto market, causing a decline in the value of all assets. It is crucial for investors to monitor and assess systemic risks to protect their investments.

Non-systemic Risk: These risks are specific to individual assets or projects within the crypto market. They do not have a widespread impact on the entire market. 

Examples of non-systemic risks include the failure of a specific project or a security vulnerability in a particular cryptocurrency. Investors should evaluate and manage non-systemic risks on a case-by-case basis.

By categorizing risks into these buckets, investors can prioritize and address them effectively. This structured approach enables investors to make informed decisions and avoid common pitfalls impacting their investments.

Measuring Risk in Crypto Investing

Measuring and quantifying risk is a crucial step in risk management. By using statistical tools and metrics, investors can assess the relative risk of different assets or combinations of assets in their portfolio. Here are some popular ways to measure risk in the crypto market:

Standard Deviation: Standard deviation measures the historical volatility of an asset relative to its rate of return. It helps investors understand how much an asset's current return deviates from its expected regular returns. A higher standard deviation indicates higher volatility and, thus, higher risk.

Sharpe Ratio: The Sharpe Ratio measures the excess return of an asset compared to the risk-free rate of return, divided by the asset's standard deviation. This ratio allows investors to compare the risk-adjusted returns of different assets and evaluate their performance.

Beta Coefficient: The beta coefficient measures an asset's systemic risk relative to the broader market. An asset with a beta of more than 1.0 is considered more volatile and risky than the market as a whole. Conversely, an asset with a beta of less than 1.0 is considered less volatile.

R-Squared: R-squared is a statistical measure that indicates the percentage of an asset's price movement that movements in a benchmark index can explain. It helps investors understand whether market factors drive an asset's price movements or if they are idiosyncratic.

These metrics provide valuable insights into the risk profile of different assets and help investors make informed decisions. 

However, it is important to note that risk measurement is not an exact science, and investors should consider multiple metrics and factors before making investment decisions.

Strategies to Mitigate Risk in Crypto Investing

Once risks are identified and measured, investors can implement various strategies to mitigate them effectively. Here are some key risk management strategies for crypto investors:

1. Diversification

Diversification is a fundamental risk management strategy that spreads investments across different assets, projects, or sectors. By diversifying their portfolio, investors can reduce their exposure to individual asset risks and potential losses. Investing in a mix of established cryptocurrencies, promising projects, and different sectors within the crypto market is advisable.

2. Non-correlated Assets

Investing in non-correlated assets is crucial for effective risk management. Non-correlated assets are those that do not move in the same direction or have a strong correlation. 

For example, if the price of Bitcoin drops, it may not necessarily impact the price of other cryptocurrencies. By investing in non-correlated assets, investors can minimize the impact of adverse market movements on their portfolios.

3. Research and Due Diligence

Thorough research and due diligence are essential to identify potential risks associated with specific assets or projects. Investors should assess their investment projects' credibility, security, and long-term viability. 

This includes analyzing the team behind the project, the technology, the market demand, and any regulatory or legal considerations.

4. Risk Assessment and Monitoring

Regularly assessing and monitoring risks is crucial for effective risk management. Investors should stay informed about market trends, regulatory changes, and any news that may impact their investments. By staying proactive and vigilant, investors can adjust their strategies and mitigate potential risks in a timely manner.

5. Risk Appetite and Position Sizing

Understanding and defining your risk appetite is essential for making informed investment decisions. Investors should assess their tolerance for risk and align their investment strategies accordingly. 

Additionally, proper position sizing is crucial to manage risk effectively. Investors can minimize potential losses by allocating capital wisely and not overexposing themselves to a single asset or project.

6. Stop Loss Orders and Risk Limits

Implementing stop-loss orders and setting risk limits can help investors protect their investments. A stop-loss order automatically sells an asset if its price reaches a certain predetermined level, limiting potential losses. Setting risk limits ensures investors do not take excessive risks and stay within their predefined risk parameters.

If you are unsure about certain risks or need assistance with risk management strategies, it is advisable to seek professional advice. Consulting with financial advisors, risk management experts, or crypto specialists can provide valuable insights and guidance to manage risk effectively.

Conclusion

Risk management is a critical aspect of successful crypto investing. By implementing effective risk management strategies, investors can minimize potential losses and maximize their risk-adjusted returns. 

Diversification, investing in non-correlated assets, conducting thorough research, monitoring risks, defining risk appetite, setting risk limits, and staying informed are key elements of a robust risk management framework. 

As the crypto market continues to evolve, it is essential for investors to stay proactive, adapt their strategies, and continuously refine their risk management approach to navigate the dynamic landscape of cryptocurrency investing.

Disclaimer

The information provided on this website does not constitute investment advice, financial advice, trading advice, or any other advice, and you should not treat any of the website's content as such.

Token Metrics does not recommend buying, selling, or holding any cryptocurrency. Conduct your due diligence and consult your financial advisor before making investment decisions.

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Recent Posts

Research

DeFi and AI Tokens Dominate as Crypto Market Nears $4 Trillion

Token Metrics Team
6 min
MIN

The cryptocurrency market continues to show resilience, with total market capitalization maintaining a strong foothold near $4 trillion. While Bitcoin remains the cornerstone of this cycle, the spotlight is shifting toward altcoins — especially those at the forefront of decentralized finance (DeFi) and artificial intelligence (AI) integration.

In this blog, we’ll explore the top narratives shaping today’s market, focusing on DeFi protocols like Blackhole DEX and PancakeSwap, alongside emerging AI projects such as Sahara AI and Moby AI.

Why DeFi Is Surging Again

DeFi has staged an impressive comeback in 2025. After a period of stagnation, several protocols have redefined their models to prioritize community engagement and sustainable growth.

Black Hole DEX:
Launched on Avalanche, Blackhole DEX has quickly become the network’s largest decentralized exchange, overtaking Trader Joe. The platform uses a community-first approach: no team allocation, weekly token emissions to liquidity providers, and a bribe-based voting mechanism for rewards distribution.

Impact:
This design has created a powerful flywheel effect. As token prices rise, APYs increase, attracting more liquidity, which in turn boosts trading volume and revenue. Within days, Blackhole DEX grew its TVL from $7 million to $193 million — a staggering feat.

PancakeSwap: A Sleeping Giant?

PancakeSwap, the dominant DEX on Binance Smart Chain (BSC), has been quietly outperforming its competitors in trading volumes and fee generation. Recent data shows PancakeSwap generating more than 4x the daily fees of Uniswap, yet its fully diluted valuation remains significantly lower.

Growth Catalysts:

  • Integration with the Binance Wallet ecosystem.
  • Expansion into other ecosystems like Solana.
  • All-time-high trading volumes despite broader market corrections.

For investors seeking a large-cap DeFi protocol with strong fundamentals and potential upside, PancakeSwap’s metrics warrant attention.

AI Meets Crypto: The Next Frontier

Artificial intelligence continues to transform multiple industries, and crypto is no exception.

Sahara AI:
Sahara AI is building a full-stack AI infrastructure for decentralized applications. Backed by heavyweights like Binance and Polychain, its mission is to bridge Web3 and AI — a theme that’s likely to dominate innovation cycles in the coming years.

Moby AI:
Initially launched as an AI trading agent, Moby AI has expanded into building tools like Moby Screener, a competitor to Dexscreener. Its unique tokenomics link user engagement directly to the platform’s utility, making it an experiment worth watching.

The Broader Altcoin Landscape

Beyond DeFi and AI, other notable projects are also gaining ground:

  • Graphite Protocol: The developer behind LetsBonk.Fun, sharing revenue with its ecosystem tokens through buyback strategies.

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  • Zora: A social media-meets-crypto platform allowing creators to monetize their content directly on-chain.

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  • Project X: A cross-chain DEX on Hyperliquid, amassing $28 million in TVL within 24 hours of launch.

These projects underscore the diversity of innovation happening outside Bitcoin’s shadow.

Risk Management in a Volatile Market

The excitement around DeFi and AI tokens comes with elevated risk. Here are some best practices:

  • Allocate wisely: Keep high-risk allocations (like low-cap “moonshots”) small — no more than 1% per trade.
  • Monitor narratives: Rapid shifts in market sentiment can create both opportunities and pitfalls.
  • Stay updated: Protocol changes, tokenomics adjustments, and ecosystem partnerships can significantly impact valuations.

Conclusion

As the crypto market edges closer to $4 trillion, the narratives driving growth are evolving. DeFi is proving its staying power with innovative models like Black Hole DEX, while AI-focused projects like Sahara AI are pushing the boundaries of what blockchain can achieve.

For market participants, the challenge lies in identifying which of these trends have lasting potential — and positioning themselves accordingly.

Research

Altcoins on the Rise: How Bitcoin’s Stability Is Fueling the Next Market Wave

Token Metrics Team
6 min
MIN

As Bitcoin stabilizes near its recent highs, the crypto market is witnessing a familiar pattern — altcoins are beginning to surge. While Bitcoin often leads during the early phases of a bullish cycle, history shows that capital tends to flow into altcoins as confidence builds. In the past two weeks, this transition has become increasingly evident, with several promising projects capturing significant market attention.

Bitcoin’s Stabilization and What It Means

Since early July, Bitcoin has managed to hold above key resistance levels, cementing its role as the market’s anchor. At the time of writing, total crypto market capitalization hovers near $4 trillion — a level that hasn’t been seen since the previous cycle’s peaks. Historically, when Bitcoin consolidates above its former highs, capital begins rotating into altcoins. This shift often marks the start of a broader rally across the market.

Key takeaway: The current market appears to be in the early stages of this altcoin rotation.

Altcoins Leading the Charge

Several altcoins have emerged as strong contenders in recent weeks.

1. Zora: The Social Token Platform
Zora, an on-chain social platform that allows creators to tokenize posts and earn from their content, has seen exponential growth following its integration into the Base App (Coinbase’s rebranded wallet). Creator activity and transaction volumes have surged, driving up demand for the Zora token. With each creator post paired to the Zora token, this integration has created a direct link between platform usage and token utility.

Why it matters: The combination of Web3 social media and creator monetization is a powerful narrative, and Zora appears well-positioned to capitalize on this trend.

2. Spark: A MakerDAO-Connected Lending Platform
Spark, a DeFi lending protocol linked to Sky Protocol, has also been a standout performer. It recently experienced a sharp increase in liquidity and price action, fueled by its integration with CookieDAO’s campaign and ongoing airdrop programs.

Why it matters: With DeFi gaining renewed interest, protocols offering sustainable yields through established ecosystems like Sky Protocol (formerly MakerDAO) are likely to remain attractive to both retail and institutional participants.

3. Sahara AI: Building the AI-Crypto Intersection
Sahara AI has positioned itself at the intersection of AI and blockchain. Backed by Binance, Polychain, and Foresight Ventures, this project offers a full-stack AI solution tailored for decentralized applications. Its long-term vision of creating AI-enabled Web3 services is attracting both developers and investors.

Why it matters: AI and crypto remain two of the most dominant narratives in tech, and projects combining these sectors could drive the next wave of innovation.

4. PancakeSwap: Undervalued Giant?
Despite being one of the largest DEXs by trading volume and daily fee generation, PancakeSwap appears significantly undervalued compared to peers like Uniswap. The platform recently expanded its operations to other chains, including Solana, and benefits from strong integration with the Binance Wallet ecosystem.

Why it matters: Fundamentals suggest PancakeSwap has room for growth if the market re-rates its value relative to competitors.

Market Themes to Watch

Bitcoin vs. Altcoin Season:
Our analysis shows we are still in a Bitcoin-dominant phase. Historically, altcoins outperform when Bitcoin consolidates or cools off. This implies that the current rotation into altcoins could continue as capital flows down the risk curve.

DeFi Revival:
Protocols like Blackhole DEX on Avalanche — which has grown its TVL from $7 million to $193 million in less than 2 weeks — highlight a renewed interest in decentralized finance. Unlike VC-backed models, Blackhole’s community-first tokenomics have resonated with users seeking fairer distribution.

Social Tokens & AI Integration:
Platforms like Zora and Sahara AI are tapping into major growth narratives: decentralized social media and artificial intelligence. Both sectors are likely to see continued experimentation and adoption.

Managing Risk in Altcoin Investing

While the upside potential in altcoins is high, so is the volatility. For high-risk trades, such as “moonshots” (low-cap tokens under $50 million market cap), we recommend:

  • Position sizing: Limit exposure to 1% per trade.
  • Diversification: Spread investments across multiple projects to reduce single-token risk.
  • Exit planning: Pre-define take-profit and stop-loss levels.

Conclusion

The crypto market is entering an exciting phase. Bitcoin’s consolidation above key levels suggests a healthy backdrop for risk assets, and altcoins are beginning to benefit. From creator monetization platforms like Zora to cross-chain DeFi protocols like Spark and Black Hole, this new wave of projects represents the diversity and innovation driving the next cycle.

As always, measured participation and disciplined risk management remain essential.

Crypto Basics

Types of Stablecoins: A Complete Guide for 2025

Token Metrics Team
8 min
MIN

The cryptocurrency market is famous for volatility—Bitcoin can swing by thousands of dollars in a day, and altcoins can rise or crash in hours. But what if you need price stability? That’s where stablecoins come in.

Stablecoins are digital currencies pegged to stable assets like the US dollar, gold, or even algorithmically maintained price levels. They bridge the gap between the speed and efficiency of blockchain technology and the reliability of traditional money.

As of 2025, stablecoins account for over $140 billion in circulating supply, making them essential for traders, investors, and decentralized finance (DeFi) users. But not all stablecoins are the same—different types use different mechanisms to maintain their stability, each with unique pros and cons.

In this guide, we’ll break down the types of stablecoins, how they work, their risks, and which might be best for your needs.

What Are Stablecoins?

A stablecoin is a cryptocurrency designed to maintain a stable value by pegging its price to a reference asset. Most stablecoins are pegged to fiat currencies like the U.S. dollar (e.g., 1 USDT ≈ $1), but some track commodities (like gold) or are algorithmically balanced to hold value.

They are widely used for:

  • Trading: Moving quickly in and out of volatile assets.
  • DeFi: Providing liquidity, borrowing, and earning yields.
  • Remittances: Sending low-cost, fast cross-border payments.
  • Hedging: Protecting against crypto market volatility.

Types of Stablecoins

There are four main types of stablecoins:

  1. Fiat‑Collateralized Stablecoins
  2. Crypto‑Collateralized Stablecoins
  3. Algorithmic (Non‑Collateralized) Stablecoins
  4. Commodity‑Backed Stablecoins

Each has a different method of maintaining its peg. Let’s break them down.

1. Fiat‑Collateralized Stablecoins

Definition:
These are backed 1:1 by traditional currencies like the U.S. dollar, euro, or yen. For every stablecoin issued, an equivalent amount of fiat is held in reserve by a trusted custodian.

How They Work:
If you buy 1 USDC, Circle (its issuer) holds $1 in a regulated bank account or short-term U.S. Treasury securities. When you redeem that stablecoin, the issuer sends you the equivalent amount in fiat and burns the coin.

Examples:

  • Tether (USDT) – Largest stablecoin by market cap; widely used on exchanges.
  • USD Coin (USDC) – Issued by Circle, fully regulated and audited.
  • TrueUSD (TUSD) – Offers real-time attestation of reserves.
  • PayPal USD (PYUSD) – Launched by PayPal for payments and DeFi.

Pros:

  • High stability – Pegged directly to fiat.
  • Transparent – Many provide audits and attestations.
  • Easy adoption – Ideal for traders, merchants, and payment platforms.

Cons:

  • Centralization – Custodians control reserves and can freeze accounts.
  • Regulatory risks – Subject to government oversight.
  • Less transparency for some issuers – (e.g., Tether faced scrutiny over its reserves).

2. Crypto‑Collateralized Stablecoins

Definition:
These are backed by cryptocurrencies like Ethereum or Bitcoin instead of fiat. Because crypto is volatile, these stablecoins are overcollateralized (e.g., $150 in ETH backs $100 in stablecoins).

How They Work:
When you mint a crypto-backed stablecoin like DAI, you deposit collateral (e.g., ETH) into a smart contract. If the collateral value drops too much, the contract automatically liquidates some assets to maintain the peg.

Examples:

  • DAI – Issued by MakerDAO, backed by ETH, USDC, and other assets.

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  • sUSD – A synthetic USD issued by Synthetix.
  • MIM (Magic Internet Money) – Collateralized by multiple crypto assets.

Pros:

  • Decentralized – No single company controls reserves.
  • Transparent – All collateral balances are viewable on-chain.
  • Resistant to censorship – Issuers can’t freeze accounts.

Cons:

  • Volatility risk – Collateral can lose value quickly, requiring liquidations.
  • Overcollateralization – Ties up more capital than fiat-backed options.
  • Complexity – Requires understanding of DeFi mechanics.

3. Algorithmic (Non‑Collateralized) Stablecoins

Definition:
These don’t use physical reserves. Instead, they maintain their peg via algorithmic supply adjustments—minting or burning tokens to balance price around $1.

How They Work:
If demand increases and the price rises above $1, the protocol mints more coins. If it falls below $1, the protocol burns coins or incentivizes users to buy them back.

Examples:

  • Ampleforth (AMPL) – Elastic supply adjusts daily.
  • UST (TerraUSD) – Infamously collapsed in 2022 after its peg broke.
  • Frax (FRAX) – Uses a hybrid model: partly collateralized, partly algorithmic.

Pros:

  • Highly capital-efficient – Doesn’t require large reserves.
  • Decentralized – Often governed by smart contracts and DAOs.

Cons:

  • Peg instability – Prone to “death spirals” when market confidence drops.
  • Complex mechanisms – Harder for average users to understand.
  • History of failures – UST/LUNA crash eroded trust in algorithmic coins.

4. Commodity‑Backed Stablecoins

Definition:
These stablecoins are pegged to commodities like gold, silver, or oil, giving them intrinsic value beyond fiat.

How They Work:
For every coin issued, an equivalent amount of the commodity is held in a secure vault. For example, owning 1 PAX Gold (PAXG) means you own 1 troy ounce of physical gold stored by the issuer.

Examples:

  • PAX Gold (PAXG) – Backed by physical gold.

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  • Tether Gold (XAUT) – Gold-backed token from Tether.
  • Digix Gold (DGX) – Pegged to gold bars in Singapore vaults.

Pros:

  • Hedge against inflation – Commodities like gold retain value during economic uncertainty.
  • Diversification – Offers exposure to both crypto and commodities.

Cons:

  • Low liquidity – Less widely used than fiat-backed stablecoins.
  • Storage & audit challenges – Requires trust in the issuer to maintain reserves.

Why Do Stablecoins Matter?

Stablecoins are the backbone of DeFi and crypto trading.

  • Trading & arbitrage: They provide a quick way to exit volatile positions without converting back to fiat.
  • Cross-border payments: Cheaper and faster than SWIFT or remittance services.
  • DeFi participation: Essential for lending, borrowing, yield farming, and liquidity pools.
  • On-ramp/off-ramp: They simplify converting between traditional finance and blockchain.

Which Type of Stablecoin Should You Use?

If you want simplicity & security: Go with fiat-backed coins like USDC or PYUSD.

If you value decentralization: Choose crypto-collateralized options like DAI.

If you’re comfortable with high risk: Explore algorithmic models like FRAX (but beware of peg risks).

If you want inflation protection: Consider commodity-backed coins like PAXG.

Key Risks of Stablecoins

  • Regulation: Governments are increasing oversight of fiat-backed coins.
  • Centralization: Some issuers can freeze funds or blacklist wallets.
  • Smart contract risks: DeFi-based stablecoins can suffer from bugs or exploits.
  • Peg breaks: Algorithmic models are especially vulnerable to confidence loss.

The Future of Stablecoins

In 2025, stablecoins are evolving to meet regulatory and market demands:

  • Central Bank Digital Currencies (CBDCs): Governments are issuing digital dollars and euros, potentially competing with stablecoins.
  • Regulated issuers: Projects like USDC are working closely with regulators to ensure compliance.
  • Hybrid models: Combining fiat and algorithmic elements (e.g., Frax) to enhance stability.

As DeFi expands and global adoption grows, stablecoins will remain at the heart of crypto finance.

Final Thoughts

Stablecoins are more than just “digital dollars.” They’re a critical bridge between traditional finance and blockchain innovation.

  • Fiat-backed stablecoins bring stability and ease of use.
  • Crypto-collateralized ones offer transparency and decentralization.
  • Algorithmic models push innovation but carry higher risks.
  • Commodity-backed coins provide a hedge against inflation and diversify exposure.

Choosing the right type depends on your risk tolerance, use case, and trust level. Whether for trading, saving, or participating in DeFi, understanding the types of stablecoins can help you navigate the crypto ecosystem with confidence.

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