Global Crypto Ownership Reaches New High
Global cryptocurrency ownership climbed from 659 million in 2024 to 741 million in 2025, reflecting a 12.4% annual increase. The figures come from the latest market sizing report released by Crypto.com.
The expansion signals continued mainstream acceptance despite market volatility. Both retail and institutional participation contributed to the rising ownership base across major economies.
Ethereum Outpaces Bitcoin in Growth Rate
Ethereum recorded the strongest adoption growth among leading digital assets. The number of Ethereum holders rose 22.6% to 175 million, outpacing other major cryptocurrencies.
By contrast, Bitcoin ownership grew 8.3% to 365 million users worldwide. While Bitcoin remains the most widely held digital asset, Ethereum’s faster growth reflects expanding use cases beyond simple value storage.
Regulatory Clarity Supports Expansion
The report highlights improved regulatory frameworks as a significant driver of adoption. In particular, pro-crypto policies in the United States have strengthened institutional confidence in digital assets.
Establishing formal structures such as a Strategic Bitcoin Reserve and a Digital Asset Stockpile reinforced the perception of cryptocurrencies as legitimate components of financial markets. Regulatory progress globally has also reduced uncertainty for investors.
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Institutional Participation Accelerates
Public companies increasingly incorporate digital assets into treasury strategies. Corporate adoption has contributed to demand stability, particularly during periods of market consolidation.
Institutional investors are also expanding allocations to tokenized real-world assets built on blockchain infrastructure. Ethereum’s ecosystem, which supports decentralized finance and tokenization, has benefited from this structural shift.
Tokenization Expands Ethereum’s Appeal
Ethereum’s blockchain supports smart contracts and decentralized applications, making it a leading platform for asset tokenization. Financial institutions are experimenting with tokenized bonds, funds, and other instruments.
This functional diversity distinguishes Ethereum from Bitcoin’s primary role as digital gold. As tokenization initiatives mature, Ethereum’s adoption metrics may continue to accelerate relative to more narrowly focused assets.
Retail Interest Remains Resilient
Retail participation remains a cornerstone of crypto adoption. Despite price corrections, new wallet creation and exchange sign-ups continue at steady rates.
Market analysts suggest that volatility has become normalized among long-term participants. Rather than deterring users, cyclical price swings are increasingly viewed as part of the asset class’s maturation process.
2026 Outlook Remains Constructive
Crypto.com leadership expressed optimism for continued adoption growth in 2026. Executives cited regulatory progress and deeper institutional integration as supportive structural trends.
While market conditions remain dynamic, the data suggests that global ownership continues to expand. Ethereum’s leadership in adoption growth underscores how utility-driven demand is shaping the next phase of cryptocurrency development.
