The World Is Buying Crypto Again
Staff Writer • 2025-05-24
Nearly one in four globally now owns crypto, and the trend shows no signs of slowing. From memecoins to ETFs, here’s what’s driving the comeback. Crypto Is Back — And It's Bigger Than Ever According to Gemini’s 2025 Global State of Crypto report, nearly 1 in 4 adults (24%) in key markets now own crypto — up from just 21% in 2024. That’s a significant leap for an industry that’s spent the last few years licking its wounds post-2022 crash. Europe led the charge, with the UK and France both notching 6% jumps in ownership. But it’s not just about geography. The entire narrative around crypto is shifting, from a speculative gamble to a serious financial play. Enter the Trump Effect: Bitcoin Gets Presidential Backing The report highlights a seismic shift in U.S. policy under President Donald Trump. Since taking office in January, Trump has gone full crypto, launching a Strategic Bitcoin Reserve, shaking up the SEC with pro-innovation appointments, and pushing for legislation around stablecoins and digital asset regulation. The result? Confidence is surging — even among skeptics. Nearly a quarter (23%) of non-owners in the U.S. said Trump’s bitcoin moves made them more likely to believe in crypto. Similar boosts were seen in the UK (21%) and Singapore (19%). Memecoins: The Gateway Drug to Serious Crypto They may have started as jokes, but memecoins are now serious onramps. Globally, a staggering 94% of memecoin holders also own other types of crypto. In the U.S., 31% of these investors actually bought memecoins before anything else — making them the unexpected starter pack for Web3. France, oddly enough, leads in memecoin penetration: 67% of its crypto holders own at least one. Turns out, Pepe isn’t just a meme — he’s a market mover. Gen Z and Millennials Aren’t Just Playing — They’re Investing If you’re between 18 and 38, chances are you’ve owned crypto. The report found that 52% of Millennials and 48% of Gen Z respondents have invested in digital assets — dwarfing Gen X (26%) and Boomers (11%). This generational divide could define the next decade of finance, especially as younger investors see crypto not as a rebellion, but as a hedge, a strategy, and yes, sometimes a bit of fun. Inflation Hedge or Hype? U.S. Investors Think It's the Real Deal Inflation may have cooled, but American anxieties haven’t. In 2025, 39% of U.S. investors said they buy crypto as a hedge against inflation, up from 32% last year. In contrast, concerns about inflation were less pronounced in countries like France (29%) and Australia (28%). The message is clear: even as macro fears wane, crypto is sticking around as a backup plan — or a primary strategy. ETFs Are the New Onramp — And Wall Street Likes It That Way The launch of spot bitcoin ETFs in 2024 has proven wildly popular. In the U.S., nearly two in five crypto owners (39%) hold crypto via ETFs — a number that continues to rise. Similar growth is visible across Europe and Asia. It’s a signal that crypto is no longer just for tech bros with cold wallets. Institutional interest, cleaner UX, and regulatory clarity are pulling in a more mainstream investor base. The Gender Gap in Crypto? It's Shrinking Crypto isn’t just a boys’ club anymore. In the UK and France, female ownership has jumped 3–5% year-over-year. While men still dominate, the inclusion needle is finally moving — slowly, but steadily.
See More Posts
A look at how NFTS, Web 3, Gaming, Cryptocurrencies and Blockchain are reshaping businesses across the globe.
@NFT Today Magazine
