Gen Z Leads the Way: Gemini Survey Highlights Crypto’s Next Generation of Investors
Staff Writer • 2025-01-29
In 2025, the cryptocurrency industry is standing at a pivotal crossroads, driven by global regulatory advances like MiCAR in Europe and a rising tide of pro-crypto sentiment. Against this backdrop, Gemini’s 2024 State of Crypto Report provides critical insights into how Gen Z—the youngest generation of investors—is shaping the future of digital assets. Regarded as digital natives, Gen Z adults (ages 18-29) are rewriting the rules of financial engagement. The findings reveal that this generation’s enthusiasm for cryptocurrency is not just a passing trend but a deep-seated shift with the potential to redefine investment practices for decades to come. Gen Z Outpaces Other Generations in Crypto Ownership Gen Z is leading the charge in cryptocurrency adoption. According to the report, 51% of Gen Z respondents globally have owned or currently own cryptocurrency, compared to just 35% of the general population. In countries like the UK, this trend is even more pronounced, with 53% of Gen Z owning crypto versus 32% of the general population. In the United States, the numbers underscore Gen Z’s dominance: more than half of Gen Z respondents (51%) own or have owned cryptocurrency, outpacing Millennials (49%) and Gen X (29%). Beyond ownership, one-third of Gen Z respondents in the U.S. expressed comfort in allocating at least 5% of their portfolios to cryptocurrency—well above the general population's 21%. Optimism About Regulation Unlike older generations, which may view regulation with skepticism, Gen Z takes a more optimistic stance. The report shows that only 31% of Gen Z globally strongly agree on the need for increased government regulation in crypto, compared to 46% of the general population. This openness suggests a belief that the crypto industry can self-regulate and evolve responsibly within emerging legal frameworks. As a generation poised to shape future policy, Gen Z’s optimism is a promising signal for long-term market stability and adoption. Profit and Inflation: Key Motivators Gen Z’s motivations for engaging with crypto reflect a dual focus on financial opportunity and economic pragmatism. Nearly half of Gen Z respondents globally (48%) cited crypto investment as a way to generate income, compared to 41% of the broader population. Inflation concerns also play a significant role, with 42% of UK Gen Z crypto owners using cryptocurrency to hedge against inflation—markedly higher than the 32% of all UK crypto owners. Similar trends emerge in France, where 39% of Gen Z owners view crypto as a profit-generating tool compared to 30% of the general population. Rising Appeal of Crypto ETFs The advent of crypto ETFs, particularly spot bitcoin ETFs in the U.S., has created new opportunities for younger investors. Globally, 48% of Gen Z respondents expressed greater interest in purchasing crypto because of ETFs, significantly outpacing the 37% average across all age groups. ETFs simplify access to digital assets, enabling younger investors to gain exposure without directly managing the underlying assets. For a generation prioritizing ease and security, this trend highlights a new frontier in crypto adoption. The Bigger Picture: Gen Z’s Transformative Influence The findings from Gemini’s report underline Gen Z’s pivotal role in shaping the cryptocurrency landscape. Their high ownership rates, openness to innovation, and interest in emerging tools like ETFs mark them as the torchbearers for the future of digital finance. As crypto platforms and financial institutions strive to cater to this tech-savvy generation, they must focus on developing intuitive, regulation-compliant products that address both the opportunities and challenges Gen Z identifies. Similarly, policymakers should take note of Gen Z’s optimism toward regulation, ensuring frameworks that foster trust without stifling innovation. The cryptocurrency industry, poised at the confluence of technological and generational shifts, stands to benefit immensely from understanding and embracing Gen Z’s perspectives. With their confidence in crypto’s potential and their eagerness to integrate digital assets into their financial lives, Gen Z is set to lead the industry into its next phase of evolution. As the crypto market matures, this generation’s influence will expand, shaping not just how digital assets are used but also how they are perceived within the broader financial system. The future of crypto, it seems, belongs to Gen Z.
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