- Global crypto asset adoption rates are significantly higher than previously estimated.
- The data generally suggest that both the US and Europe may be at the cusp of mass retail adoption – a situation often referred to as “Hyperbitcoinization” in the context of Bitcoin.
- Chances are that the growth of adoption will surprise to the upside due to the fact that we are most likely at the inflection point from "Early Adopters" to "Early Majority".
Trump recently made a public statement implying that 50 million Americans already held "crypto". The most recent surveys among US consumers seem to support this number.
It is no surprise that cryptoassets have become a major topic during the US presidential election as the parties have become increasingly aware that cryptoasset users could play a significant role at the ballot.
Both Trump and Robert Kennedy Jr. are scheduled to deliver a pro-Bitcoin speech at the upcoming Bitcoin conference in Nashville over the weekend.
It seems as if cryptoasset users are not a small minority anymore that can be ignored. Here are some recent US bitcoin and crypto adoption surveys for comparison (% of total population in brackets):
In general, cryptoasset adoption has been on the rise globally.
A recent global survey among institutional investors conducted by Fidelity even implies that 51% of surveyed institutional investors have already invested into cryptoassets such as Bitcoin.
Another recent consumer survey by Statista implies that approximately every 5th person (21%) worldwide has already invested into cryptoassets.
Global Retail vs Institutional Cryptoasset Adoption
Source: Fidelity Digital Assets, Statista, ETC Group
However, it's important to highlight that among the top 10 regions with the highest adoption rates, 8 regions are developing countries. So, cryptoasset adoption rates are even significantly higher among developing countries than in developed countries that often suffer from chronically high inflation rates and weak domestic currencies.
Top 10 regions with highest retail crypto adoption rate
Source: Statista: ETC Group; 2023/24 data
That being said, the data generally suggest that both the US and Europe may be at the cusp of mass retail adoption – a situation often referred to as “Hyperbitcoinization” in the context of Bitcoin.
The reason is that technological adoption in general tends to accelerate at the threshold from the so-called “early adopters” to the “early majority” which is around 16% adoption rate based on the model of technological adoption famously put forth by Rogers (1962).
Global adoption rates are already at 21% while adoption rates in the US and Europe are at around 16% and 14%, respectively. So, there is a strong case for an acceleration of adoption rates in these regions and globally over the coming years.
Rogers' Bell Curve of tech adoption suggests that global crypto adoption growth could start to accelerate over the coming years
Source: Statista, ETC Group
Recent political developments in the US also imply that Bitcoin and cryptoassets are gradually becoming mainstream.
Trump has recently endorsed domestic Bitcoin mining in the US and both Democrats and Republicans have started accepting crypto payments for campaign financing. The big success of the spot Bitcoin ETFs this year and the fact that additional types of spot crypto ETFs are being launched marks a significant shift in sentiment among US regulators in this regard.
In short, chances are that the growth of adoption will surprise to the upside due to the fact that we are most-likely at the inflection point from "Early Adopters" to "Early Majority".
Bottom Line
- Global crypto asset adoption rates are significantly higher than previously estimated.
- The data generally suggest that both the US and Europe may be at the cusp of mass retail adoption – a situation often referred to as “Hyperbitcoinization” in the context of Bitcoin.
- Chances are that the growth of adoption will surprise to the upside due to the fact that we are most likely at the inflection point from "Early Adopters" to "Early Majority".
Important Information
This publication constitutes a marketing communication and is provided for informational purposes only. It does not constitute investment advice, a personal recommendation, or an offer or solicitation to buy or sell any financial instrument.
This document (which may take the form of a presentation, press release, social media post, blog article, broadcast communication or similar instrument – collectively referred to as a “Document”) is issued by Bitwise Europe GmbH (“BEU” or the “Issuer”) and has been prepared in accordance with applicable laws and regulations, including those relating to financial promotions.
Bitwise Europe GmbH, incorporated under the laws of Germany, is the issuer of the Exchange Traded Products (“ETPs”) referenced in this Document under a base prospectus and the applicable final terms, as supplemented from time to time, approved by the German Federal Financial Supervisory Authority (BaFin). The approval of the prospectus by BaFin relates solely to the completeness, coherence and comprehensibility of the prospectus in accordance with the Prospectus Regulation and does not constitute an endorsement, recommendation or assessment of the merits of the products.
The market analyses, views and scenarios presented reflect the assessment as of the date of publication and are based on information considered reliable. However, no representation or warranty is made as to their accuracy or completeness. Forward-looking statements involve risks and uncertainties and are not guarantees of future performance. Past performance is not a reliable indicator of future results.
Capital at risk. Cryptoassets are highly volatile and involve a high degree of risk. The value of investments in cryptoassets and crypto-linked ETPs may fluctuate significantly, and investors may lose part or all of their invested capital. No capital protection or guaranteed compensation mechanism applies in respect of market losses.
Any investment decision should be made solely on the basis of the relevant base prospectus, the applicable final terms and the key information document, in particular the section entitled “Risk Warning”. The base prospectus, final terms and additional risk information are available at: www.bitwiseinvestments.eu
Access to certain documents may require self-certification regarding your jurisdiction and investor status and may be subject to additional disclaimers and important information.
For further details, please refer to the full disclaimer available at: www.bitwiseinvestments.eu/disclaimer
