A crypto asset is a digital form of money that exists only online. Crypto runs on a technology called blockchain, a shared digital record that keeps track of every transaction made. There are lots of crypto assets out there, each slightly different. See what crypto assets are available on Lightyear in our Crypto screener.
Crypto assets are currently available in the EU, excluding Hungary, as Hungary requires its own additional regulatory approvals to offer them.
Are crypto assets available in an Investeerimiskonto?
Yes, crypto assets are available for all account types in Estonia! If you’ve converted your personal account into an Investeerimiskonto, you’ll still have access to this product.
How much does it cost and what are the order sizes?
Each transaction carries a fee of 0.45%. There is no management fee for holding crypto assets with Lightyear. The minimum order size varies by instrument and ranges from $1 to $6. The maximum is $200,000 per order. See our pricing list here.
What order types are available?
You can place market orders, limit orders, and repeat orders on crypto assets. Make sure you understand the pros and cons of each order type and read our article Order types.
Will I get a wallet when I buy crypto assets on Lightyear?
No. When you buy crypto through Lightyear, your assets are held in custody by Lightyear, so you don't receive a personal crypto wallet. This works similarly to how shares you buy through Lightyear are yours and held in your name, but custodied through our partners. Read more about it here: Who is the owner of the instruments I buy?
Can I transfer crypto in or out of Lightyear?
It is not possible to transfer crypto in from an external wallet or transfer it out to one. If you want to move value out of Lightyear, you would need to sell your crypto and withdraw the cash.
When can I buy and sell crypto?
Crypto markets run around the clock, so you can place orders at any time, including weekends.
Is crypto available in Plans?
Yes, crypto assets can be added to Plans.
Are crypto assets available for all accounts?
They are available for personal and business accounts. If you want to trade in crypto on your business account, you must have a LEI.
Can I use the crypto assets I hold to invest in other instruments?
No. Crypto assets are investments and sit as any other positions separately in your portfolio. To invest in other instruments, sell your crypto first and use the cash you received.
Do I have to pay taxes?
Crypto assets are subject to capital gains tax. Any profit you make when selling crypto may be taxable, depending on your country of residence and personal circumstances. If you’re not sure how to report your crypto transactions, we recommend speaking to a financial adviser, because Lightyear can’t give tax advice.
If you hold crypto assets in an Investeerimiskonto, remember that, like with any assets you’ve traded, income tax liability arises only when you withdraw more money from the investment account than you have paid into it. Read more about it here Tax reporting for investeerimiskonto.
Where can I see all the transactions I’ve made?
All crypto orders will appear in the Transactions tab and in the account statement and capital gains statement.
Are there risks?
Crypto assets are highly volatile, which means their value can change significantly in a short period of time. Remember, when investing, your capital is at risk and you should only invest what you can afford to lose.
See also: How are my assets protected?.