A new study by Pi42 and Hashed Emergent has revealed a significant shift in India’s cryptocurrency trading landscape, with Gen Z emerging as the dominant force in crypto futures trading.
According to the report, 61 percent of all new traders on the platform belong to the 18–25 age group, signalling a strong inclination among young, digitally native investors towards crypto derivatives. This trend reflects India’s broader rise in global cryptocurrency adoption, particularly across rural and semi-urban regions, where digital penetration continues to expand rapidly.
The study also highlights a steady rise in female participation. Women traders have grown by 20 percent year-on-year and now account for nearly one in eight users on the platform. This indicates a gradual diversification of the investor base, with more women actively engaging in the evolving digital asset ecosystem.
Investor confidence appears to be strengthening as well. The average trade size has nearly doubled, increasing from approximately $1,051 in 2024 to around $1,960 in recent months. At the same time, trading frequency has surged, with nearly 60 percent of active users now participating in daily trading activity, compared to about 45 percent earlier. Notably, one in four traders reported booking profits, suggesting improved awareness of trading strategies and risk management among retail investors.
A key insight from the report is the growing prominence of non-metro regions. Eastern India has emerged as a leading hub, accounting for nearly 32 percent of retail investors. States such as Arunachal Pradesh, Assam, and Meghalaya are driving this growth, with the region expanding significantly faster than others. North and Central India have also shown strong momentum, doubling their participation in 2025. This regional spread highlights how crypto-INR futures trading is no longer confined to major cities but is gaining traction across Tier 2 and Tier 3 markets.
Commenting on the findings, Avinash Shekhar noted that the data reflects a structural shift in investor behaviour, with young users adopting more strategic and informed approaches to trading. He emphasised that INR-based derivatives platforms can play a crucial role in enhancing accessibility and supporting the long-term growth of India’s digital asset ecosystem.
Similarly, Tak Lee observed that the market is transitioning beyond a niche, metro-driven phenomenon. He pointed out that derivatives are increasingly becoming the entry point for a new generation of investors, signalling that the adoption curve is still in its early stages.
Based on data from over two lakh traders between January and December 2025, the report underscores a rapidly expanding and evolving crypto market in India, driven by youth participation, regional growth, and increasing investor sophistication.
