With the entry of global financial institutions and the rise of Decentralized Finance (DeFi), cryptocurrency is no longer a fringe asset. Today, investors can easily allocate digital assets through compliant and secure trading platforms like OSL.

However, before you begin, it is essential to correctly understand its "high risk/high return" nature. Market volatility means that opportunity and risk coexist. Entering blindly without understanding the landscape may lead to unnecessary losses. In this guide, we will walk you through how to start safely on OSL and share practical tips to avoid common beginner mistakes.

Step 1: Choose a Safe and Compliant Trading Platform

For beginners, the biggest barrier is often: "I only have cash (fiat currency), how do I turn it into crypto?" Therefore, you need a compliant platform that supports fiat-to-crypto purchases.

There are many unregulated platforms on the market that only support crypto-to-crypto trading (meaning you must already own crypto to trade), which is not beginner-friendly. More importantly, the security of your funds should be your top priority.

Why choose OSL? As Hong Kong’s first listed and SFC-licensed digital asset platform, OSL provides institutional-grade security services. We support direct deposits via bank channels using Hong Kong Dollars (HKD) or US Dollars (USD), allowing you to trade mainstream assets like Bitcoin (BTC) and Ethereum (ETH) with the same peace of mind as trading stocks.

Step 2: Create Your OSL Account

Once you have chosen your platform, the next step is registration. At a compliant platform like OSL, we strictly enforce KYC (Know Your Customer) processes. This is crucial for preventing fraud and safeguarding your assets.

The verification process typically includes:

• Identity Documents: Upload a scan of your passport or ID card.

• Facial Recognition: Perform a selfie verification to ensure the operator matches the ID holder.

• Proof of Address: (Depending on account tier) Submit a recent utility bill or bank statement.

Once verified, you will have a regulated and protected exclusive trading account.

Step 3: Fund Your Account

Depositing cash into your OSL account is simple. You can flexibly choose to transfer HKD or USD to quickly acquire trading capital.

1. Depositing Hong Kong Dollars (HKD) Go to the Home / Assets page, click [Deposit], and select [HKD].

• eDDA / FPS: Highly Recommended. This is the fastest method, supporting real-time settlement, allowing you to capture market opportunities instantly.

• Bank Transfer: Usually arrives same-day or the next business day, depending on your bank's processing time.

2. Depositing US Dollars (USD) Go to the Home / Assets page, click [Deposit], and select [USD].

• Currently supports bank transfers only. Please ensure you transfer funds from a bank account under your own name. Expected arrival is same-day or next business day.

💡 Want to buy instantly? (Global Users Only) For added convenience, OSL Global users can purchase USDT/USDC directly via Visa, Mastercard, or Apple Pay.

• Read more: Quick Buy Guide

Step 4: Select and Buy Your First Cryptocurrency

Once your funds have arrived, you are ready to trade. For beginners, we recommend focusing on mainstream assets with the best liquidity and strongest market consensus.

Understanding Tickers: Cryptocurrencies are usually represented by abbreviated codes, for example:

• BTC: Bitcoin — Digital gold and the market bellwether.

• ETH: Ethereum — The cornerstone of smart contracts and blockchain applications.

• USDT/USDC: Stablecoins — Value pegged to the US Dollar, used for hedging or as a medium of exchange.

Can I buy Bitcoin with a small amount? Yes! You do not need to buy a "whole" Bitcoin. Cryptocurrencies support fractional purchasing. For example, even if the price of Bitcoin is $50,000, you can still buy 0.0025 BTC with just 1,000 HKD. This makes the barrier to entry very accessible.

Step 5: Asset Security and Wallet Management

In the digital asset world, the "Private Key" controls ownership of the assets. There are generally two ways to store them:

1. Custodial Wallet (Exchange Wallet) When you keep your assets on OSL, we manage them for you using military-grade security technology. OSL holds client assets in segregated accounts covered by insurance, making this suitable for investors who do not wish to manage complex private keys themselves.

2. Self-custody Wallet If you decide to withdraw assets to your own wallet, understand the difference:

• Hot Wallet: Software wallets that run online. Convenient to use but requires vigilance against hacking.

• Cold Wallet: Hardware devices similar to a USB drive that do not connect to the internet. Highest security, suitable for long-term storage of large amounts. Note: If you lose your cold wallet private key, your assets cannot be recovered.

Step 6: Beginner Mindset and Risk Management

Investing in cryptocurrency requires caution; market volatility is the norm.

1. Do Your Own Research (DYOR) Do not blindly trust "insider tips" online. Before investing in any coin, read its Whitepaper to understand what problem the project solves, and the technology and team behind it.

2. Stick to a Trading Plan The most common mistake beginners make is emotional trading. Set your investment goals:

• Entry Price: At what price do you intend to buy?

• Stop Loss: What is the maximum loss you can tolerate if the market falls? For example, setting a "sell at 10% drop" rule can help preserve your principal during a crash.

3. Invest Only What You Can Afford to Lose Never use money essential for your daily life for high-risk investments.

4. Account Security Protect your OSL account. Always enable Two-Factor Authentication (2FA) and never reveal your password or verification codes to anyone.

Conclusion

Crypto investment is a marathon, not a sprint. As a beginner, the most important thing is not to chase overnight riches, but to build a proper investment framework. Through OSL, you have started on a safe and compliant foundation. Keep learning, analyze rationally, stick to your plan, and you will be able to move forward steadily in this dynamic digital economy.