- The adoption rate of cryptocurrencies is set to rise this year from 7.41% to 11.02%.
- Reaching the 10-15% zone will accelerate the trend exponentially due to network effects and popularisation.
- Improved regulatory environment, increased interest from institutions and businesses, and favourable conditions will support audience growth at a pace comparable to the evolution of the internet.
The adoption level of digital assets among users is expected to surpass the critical 10% threshold by the end of 2025, increasing from 7.41% to 11.02%. These figures were cited by Alec Beckman of Psalion, reports CoinDesk.
The growth rate of the crypto industry today is comparable to the early stages of the internet’s evolution. After several years of uncertainty, the asset class will transition from an “experiment” to a “mainstream” status, radically transforming finance, commerce, and digital technologies.
Historical adoption curves, such as those of the internet and smartphones, show that 10% adoption often marks a tipping point, after which growth accelerates exponentially due to network effects and popularisation.
This threshold was identified by Everett Rogers in his diffusion of innovations theory. The model indicates that the transition from early adopters (13.5%) to the early majority (34%) occurs at an adoption level of around 10-15%. By this point, alignment with infrastructure development, increased accessibility, and social acceptance of the technology occurs.
For cryptocurrencies, surpassing the threshold may coincide with the realisation of network effects—more users enhance liquidity, asset distribution among merchants grows, and developer activity increases. As a result, digital assets become more convenient for everyday operations such as payments and money transfers.
According to the study, by the end of the year, 28% of the adult population in the US (approximately 65 million people) will own cryptocurrencies. In comparison, in 2021, the figure was 15%. Meanwhile, two-thirds of users plan to increase their investments.
Cryptocurrencies are no longer perceived as speculative instruments—two out of three Americans are familiar with them.
Growth Drivers
Digital assets are transforming the remittance sector, simplifying cross-border trade, and expanding access to financial services—particularly noticeable in African and Asian countries.
Blockchain. Its transparency and security facilitate remittances, supply chain tracking, and fraud prevention.
Financial accessibility. Cryptocurrencies provide access to financial services for the unbanked—especially in African and Asian countries—thanks to the development of mobile and fintech platforms.
Regulatory clarity. Supportive digital asset policies in the UAE, Germany, and El Salvador encourage adoption, although uncertainty in India and China poses challenges.
Integration of artificial intelligence. Around 90 AI-based tokens expand blockchain capabilities in governance and payments.
Economic instability. The role of cryptocurrencies as a hedge against inflation drives their adoption in markets like Brazil ($90.3 billion in stablecoin transactions) and Argentina ($91.1 billion).
Institutions and Business
Institutional and business participation accelerates the integration of digital assets. Major players BlackRock and Fidelity have launched crypto ETFs. Currently, the SEC is reviewing applications for 72 new products.
Companies are adopting digital asset payments to reduce fees and reach a global scale, especially in retail and e-commerce. Platforms enable merchants to accept cryptocurrencies with settlements in local currency, mitigating volatility risks.
DeFi activity has significantly increased in Sub-Saharan Africa, Latin America, and Eastern Europe. The latter accounted for over 33% of the total volume of cryptocurrencies received, ranking third globally in the growth rate of the decentralised finance sector.
Challenges and Breakthroughs
Despite rapid development, digital assets face challenges such as volatility, cybersecurity issues, and increased regulatory scrutiny.
Despite these challenges, analysts are confident in maintaining the current growth trajectory.
“This is underscored by bullish market sentiment, crypto-friendly regulators combined with ETF momentum and payment integration. If innovations continue to be balanced with trust, digital assets will follow the example of the internet and smartphones and grow even faster,” analysts concluded.
Back in River estimated that 4% of the world’s population holds Bitcoin.
Earlier, BlackRock CEO Larry Fink stated that the first cryptocurrency is an alternative to gold and other exchange-traded commodities, and its global adoption will continue to grow.