The global adoption of cryptocurrencies has surged dramatically, with the number of crypto owners worldwide reaching 562 million—a 34% increase from 2023. This remarkable growth underscores the expanding influence of digital assets, now owned by approximately 6.8% of the global population.
A report by Triple A has confirmed these new figures, providing a comprehensive breakdown of key countries leading in crypto ownership and regions experiencing the most significant growth over the past year.
Asia leads the surge with a 21.8% increase, rising from 268.2 million to 326.8 million crypto owners. North America follows closely with a 38.6% rise, from 52.1 million to 72.2 million. South America saw the highest growth rate, recording a 116.5% increase, from 25.5 million to 55.2 million.
Europe and Africa also recorded substantial gains. Europe experienced a 60.3% rise, from 30.7 million to 49.2 million, while Africa saw an 8.5% increase, from 40.1 million to 43.5 million. Oceania doubled its cryptocurrency ownership, growing from 1.4 million to 3.0 million, a 114.3% increase.
The report highlighted the demographic makeup of global crypto owners, with the largest group being in the 25–34 age range, comprising 34% of the total, followed by the 35–44 age group at 31%.
Experts attribute the surge in cryptocurrency ownership to regulatory agencies in various countries establishing clear guidelines, which enhance market integrity and boost investor confidence. Notable regulatory bodies include the Monetary Authority of Singapore (MAS) and the European Union.
Triple A utilized Country Weighted Scoring, Outlier Research, and Primary Data Collection to compile the latest global digital currency ownership data, ensuring accuracy and comprehensiveness.
The report also noted a gender gap in global cryptocurrency adoption, with 61% of crypto owners being male and 39% female. According to Forbes, Nigeria has the highest number of crypto owners in Africa, with about 47% of the population (22 million people) owning cryptocurrencies, ranking Nigeria 11th globally in 2022, ahead of Kenya (ranked 19th).
Crypto regulation in Africa remains a significant challenge, as evidenced in Nigeria, where authorities are currently in conflict with Binance Limited, the world’s largest crypto exchange, leading to the detention of Binance executives. The Nigerian government has also moved to ban other cryptocurrency exchanges engaged in peer-to-peer trading, accusing them of manipulating the local currency.
Credit: Nairametrics (Text Excluding Headline)
