Gemini Report: Nearly One in Four People Owns Cryptocurrency

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The latest State of Crypto 2025 report from Gemini reveals a striking milestone in digital asset adoption — nearly one in four people worldwide now owns cryptocurrency. This growing trend reflects a global shift in financial behavior, driven by regulatory progress, institutional interest, and evolving public perception.

As the crypto ecosystem rebounds from a turbulent start to the year, the report identifies multiple positive signals that could propel sustained growth through 2025 and beyond. Notably, pro-crypto policies — particularly in the United States — are playing a pivotal role in reshaping market dynamics and investor confidence.

Global Cryptocurrency Adoption on the Rise

Gemini’s comprehensive 13-page State of Crypto 2025 report highlights a consistent upward trajectory in cryptocurrency ownership across all analyzed regions. The data underscores a significant shift: from just over one-fifth of respondents owning digital assets in the previous year, the figure has now climbed to 24%, meaning almost one in four individuals globally holds some form of cryptocurrency.

This growth is not isolated to a single region. In fact, the survey — conducted by Data Driven Consulting Group between March 18 and April 10, 2025 — covered 7,205 consumers across six key markets: the United States, the United Kingdom, France, Italy, Singapore, and Australia. Each country had approximately 1,200 participants, with samples balanced to represent adults aged 18–75 earning at least $14,000 annually.

The findings suggest that macro-level developments — including government policy and financial innovation — are directly influencing public sentiment and investment decisions.

👉 Discover how policy changes are shaping the future of digital finance.

The Role of U.S. Policy in Driving Crypto Growth

One of the most influential factors cited in the report is the shift in U.S. political leadership and its impact on crypto regulation. Under President Donald J. Trump’s administration, pro-crypto initiatives such as the proposed Bitcoin Strategic Reserve and advancing legislation on stablecoins and digital asset oversight have significantly boosted industry momentum.

According to Gemini analysts, these policies are not only attracting existing investors but also sparking interest among those who have never owned crypto before.

“Survey results indicate these policies are generating industry interest — even among non-crypto holders. Understanding and engaging this group could unlock significant growth, especially after years of relatively stagnant adoption rates.”

Notably, 23% of non-crypto owners in the U.S. said the idea of a national Bitcoin reserve increased their confidence in cryptocurrency’s value. Similar sentiments were observed internationally: 21% in the UK and 19% in Singapore expressed greater trust due to such policy signals.

Additionally, more companies are adding Bitcoin to their balance sheets — a trend that further legitimizes crypto as a long-term store of value and reinforces market stability.

Regional Insights: Europe Leads in Year-Over-Year Growth

While global adoption is rising, regional disparities reveal interesting patterns. Europe emerged as a leader in growth, with the UK showing the most dramatic increase — jumping from 18% ownership in 2024 to 24% in 2025. France followed closely, rising from 18% to 21%.

In contrast:

Despite Singapore maintaining the highest overall ownership rate, its year-on-year growth was more modest compared to European nations.

This surge in Europe may be linked to increasing regulatory clarity and public education efforts, suggesting that supportive frameworks can accelerate mainstream adoption even in traditionally cautious financial environments.

Memecoins: The Unexpected Gateway to Crypto

One of the most surprising findings in the report is the role of memecoins as an entry point into the broader crypto ecosystem.

In the U.S., 31% of investors who hold both memecoins and traditional cryptocurrencies say they first bought a memecoin. This pattern repeats globally:

Crucially, 94% of memecoin holders also own other cryptocurrencies, indicating that while these assets may start as speculative or community-driven experiments, they often serve as on-ramps to more serious investment behaviors.

Rather than being dismissed as internet fads, memecoins appear to be lowering the barrier to entry — especially for younger investors exploring decentralized finance for the first time.

👉 See how new investors are entering the crypto space through innovative digital assets.

ETFs Gain Traction Among Crypto Investors

Another key driver of adoption is the growing popularity of crypto exchange-traded funds (ETFs). In the U.S., 39% of cryptocurrency owners now invest via ETFs — up from 37% in 2024.

This incremental rise reflects increasing institutional involvement and a preference for regulated, accessible investment vehicles. ETFs offer a familiar structure for traditional investors, reducing complexity and perceived risk associated with direct crypto ownership.

As regulatory approvals continue and more financial advisors include crypto ETFs in portfolios, this segment is expected to expand further — particularly among older demographics who prioritize security and compliance.

Generational Shift: Half of Gen Z and Millennials Are Invested

The generational divide in crypto adoption remains pronounced — and telling.

Globally, 50% of Gen Z and Millennials report currently owning or having previously owned cryptocurrency. This statistic highlights a fundamental shift in financial attitudes among younger generations, who view digital assets not as speculative novelties but as legitimate components of modern wealth management.

Their early engagement with blockchain technology, decentralized applications (dApps), and digital identity suggests long-term implications for banking, payments, and asset ownership models.

As this cohort gains economic influence, demand for Web3-integrated financial services is likely to grow exponentially.

Core Keywords Identified

Frequently Asked Questions

Q: What percentage of people own cryptocurrency globally?
A: According to Gemini’s 2025 report, nearly 24% of people worldwide — almost one in four — own some form of cryptocurrency.

Q: How has U.S. policy impacted crypto adoption?
A: Pro-crypto policies under the Trump administration, including proposals for a Bitcoin Strategic Reserve and stablecoin legislation, have increased public confidence and industry interest — even among non-holders.

Q: Are memecoins contributing to mainstream adoption?
A: Yes. While often seen as speculative, memecoins are acting as gateways: 94% of memecoin holders also own other cryptocurrencies, suggesting they help onboard new users.

Q: What role do ETFs play in crypto investing?
A: ETFs provide a regulated and accessible way to invest. In the U.S., 39% of crypto owners use ETFs, showing growing trust in institutional-grade investment vehicles.

Q: Which generation is most involved in crypto?
A: Gen Z and Millennials lead adoption, with 50% globally reporting ownership or prior experience with digital assets.

Q: Which country saw the biggest increase in crypto ownership?
A: The UK had the largest year-on-year jump — rising from 18% to 24%, making it the fastest-growing market in the study.

👉 Explore how next-generation investors are redefining finance today.

Final Thoughts

The State of Crypto 2025 report paints a clear picture: cryptocurrency is moving steadily toward mainstream acceptance. From policy shifts and institutional adoption to generational change and innovative entry points like memecoins and ETFs, multiple forces are converging to drive global growth.

With nearly a quarter of the world’s population already participating, and confidence rising due to clearer regulations and strategic government actions, the foundation is being laid for even broader integration of digital assets into everyday financial life.