A groundbreaking study by Pi42, India's leading crypto-INR perpetual futures exchange, and Hashed Emergent has revealed that Gen Z traders (aged 18-25) now dominate India's cryptocurrency derivatives market, accounting for 61% of all new traders. The comprehensive analysis, based on 200,000 crypto futures traders on Pi42 over the past year, shows remarkable demographic and behavioral shifts in India's digital asset ecosystem.
The study highlights significant growth in trading sophistication, with average trade sizes nearly doubling from approximately $1,051 in 2024 to around $1,960 recently, indicating increased investor confidence and higher conviction trading strategies. Women's participation grew by 20% year-on-year, now representing nearly one in eight traders on the platform. Trading frequency has also surged dramatically, with 60% of active traders now engaging in daily trading activity compared to 45% earlier.
Geographically, the data reveals crypto trading expanding beyond metro cities, with East India leading at 32% of retail investors. Arunachal Pradesh, Assam, and Meghalaya emerged as top states, while North and Central India doubled their participation in 2025. This regional distribution underscores how crypto-INR futures trading is flourishing in Tier 2 and Tier 3 markets.
Avinash Shekhar, Co-Founder & CEO of Pi42, noted that these trends signal a clear shift in how Indian investors engage with crypto derivatives, with trading activity remaining resilient despite global uncertainties. The momentum reflects a structurally expanding market where INR-based derivatives platforms play a meaningful role in improving accessibility and supporting long-term growth of India's digital asset ecosystem.
