More than half a billion people now own cryptocurrency — a milestone that surpasses the combined populations of the European Union, the United States, and Japan. As of mid-2025, an estimated 562 million individuals globally hold digital assets, representing 6.8% of the world’s population. This rapid growth signals a fundamental shift in how people view money, investment, and financial sovereignty.
But who exactly owns crypto? Where is adoption growing fastest? And how are users actually engaging with their digital assets beyond speculation?
This comprehensive analysis explores the latest global data on cryptocurrency ownership, breaking down key trends by region, gender, age, and behavior — while uncovering the deeper implications for the future of finance.
Global Crypto Ownership: By the Numbers
The scale of crypto adoption today is no longer niche — it's mainstream.
- 562 million people worldwide own cryptocurrency.
- That’s 6.8% of the global population, or roughly 1 in every 15 people.
- Bitcoin ownership reaches 106 million individuals, or 1.29% of the world’s population — more than the total population of the Philippines.
- Men represent 61% of crypto holders, while women account for 39%.
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These figures reflect a digital asset ecosystem evolving from speculative trading into real-world utility and long-term financial planning.
How Many People Own Bitcoin?
Due to Bitcoin’s decentralized nature, exact user counts are impossible to determine. One person can control multiple wallets, and institutional wallets (like exchanges) may represent millions of users under a single address.
However, combining blockchain analytics, exchange user data, and global surveys allows for reliable estimates:
- Approximately 106 million people own Bitcoin.
- The average Bitcoin owner holds about 0.57 BTC.
- There are over 988,600 wallets with at least 1 BTC.
- Just 94 wallets hold more than 10,000 BTC each — a stark illustration of wealth concentration.
Despite its promise of decentralization, Bitcoin’s ownership remains highly skewed. A small number of entities — including exchanges like Binance — dominate the top holdings. In fact, Binance’s cold storage wallet alone holds over 248,598 BTC, making it the largest single wallet in existence.
Bitcoin Wallet Distribution: A Tale of Inequality
While millions own small amounts, true wealth lies in the hands of very few:
| Balance (BTC) | % of Addresses | % of Total BTC |
|---|---|---|
| < 1 BTC | ~98% | ~20% |
| 1–10 BTC | 1.52% | 10.44% |
| 10–100 BTC | 0.24% | 21.60% |
| 100–1,000 BTC | 0.03% | 23.77% |
| >1,000 BTC | <0.004% | ~47% |
This means less than 0.04% of wallets control nearly half of all Bitcoin in circulation.
Such centralization challenges the ideal of "digital gold for the people" — but it also underscores Bitcoin’s role as a high-value reserve asset, increasingly held by institutions and long-term investors.
Crypto Adoption by Continent
Geographic trends reveal where crypto is growing fastest — and why.
| Continent | 2024 Owners | Growth (2023–2024) |
|---|---|---|
| Asia | 326.8 million | +21.8% |
| North America | 72.2 million | +38.6% |
| South America | 55.2 million | +116.5% |
| Europe | 49.2 million | +60.3% |
| Africa | 43.5 million | +8.5% |
| Oceania | 3.0 million | +114.3% |
Key Insights:
- Asia leads in total users, driven by massive populations in India, Vietnam, and Indonesia, along with mobile-first crypto platforms.
- South America and Oceania doubled their user base in one year — a surge linked to inflation, currency instability, and limited banking access.
- Africa, despite high demand for remittances and financial inclusion, saw only 8.5% growth, suggesting infrastructure lags behind demand.
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Gender and Age Trends in Crypto Ownership
Crypto isn’t equally adopted across demographics — significant gaps persist.
Gender Breakdown:
- 61% male, 39% female crypto owners globally.
- Men dominate every age group, especially between 31–35 years old, where they outnumber women nearly 4:1.
Age and Gender Distribution:
- Peak adoption occurs between ages 26–45, particularly among men.
- Interest declines sharply after age 50 for both genders.
- The gender gap narrows only after age 56, indicating younger women are still underrepresented in crypto investing.
These patterns suggest that early tech exposure, risk tolerance, and financial education play major roles in adoption — and that targeted outreach could unlock vast potential among women and older adults.
How Do Crypto Owners Use Their Assets?
Crypto is no longer just about "hodling" — users increasingly want utility.
Consumer Behavior Insights:
- 80% want to use crypto for daily purchases.
- 65% want the option to pay with crypto when shopping.
- 56% would choose a store that accepts crypto over one that doesn’t.
- 39% prefer to receive income in cryptocurrency — a sign of growing trust in stablecoins and digital wages.
Top Spending Categories:
- Retail goods (80%)
- Travel & hospitality (70%)
- Entertainment (44%)
- Real estate & government services (45%)
- High-value items (32%)
This shift from investment to spending reflects a maturing ecosystem where users see crypto as both a store of value and a medium of exchange.
Growth of Crypto Infrastructure: Merchant Adoption
Real-world usage depends on availability — and businesses are responding.
- Over 16,350 businesses worldwide now accept cryptocurrency (up from 11,000 in mid-2024).
- That’s 48.6% growth in one year, or about 15 new merchants per day.
- The biggest quarterly jump occurred in early 2025, with 1,500 new adopters.
Top Countries by Crypto-Accepting Merchants:
- Brazil – 1,781
- USA – 1,435
- El Salvador – 1,166
- Czechia – 1,065
- Italy – 974
Emerging markets lead adoption, often driven by necessity — El Salvador’s national Bitcoin policy being a prime example.
Crypto Adoption vs. Unbanked Populations
Does crypto thrive where banks don’t?
In countries like Vietnam, Indonesia, and the Philippines, high unbanked rates coincide with strong crypto adoption — suggesting digital assets fill critical financial gaps.
But in wealthy nations like the UAE (31% adoption) and Singapore (24.4%), high usage persists despite near-zero unbanked populations — proving that crypto also appeals to tech-savvy, affluent users seeking innovation and diversification.
This dual dynamic shows crypto serves both financial inclusion and financial empowerment.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
How many people own cryptocurrency globally?
As of mid-2025, approximately 562 million people — or 6.8% of the global population — own some form of cryptocurrency.
What percentage of the world owns Bitcoin?
About 1.29% of the global population owns Bitcoin, equivalent to roughly 106 million individuals.
Which country has the most crypto users?
Asia, particularly countries like India and Vietnam, leads in total users due to large populations and mobile-driven adoption.
Do more men or women own crypto?
Globally, 61% of crypto owners are men, while 39% are women, indicating a persistent gender gap in digital finance.
Can I use cryptocurrency for everyday purchases?
Yes — 80% of crypto owners want to use it for daily spending, and over 16,350 businesses worldwide now accept digital payments.
Is Bitcoin ownership centralized?
Yes — despite its decentralized design, Bitcoin wealth is highly concentrated. Less than 0.04% of wallets hold nearly half of all BTC.
Final Thoughts: The Future of Crypto Ownership
Cryptocurrency has crossed a threshold: it's no longer fringe technology but a global financial force reshaping how people save, spend, and invest.
Key trends point to:
- Accelerating adoption in emerging economies.
- Growing demand for real-world utility.
- Persistent inequality in ownership and access.
- A widening gap between speculative hype and sustainable infrastructure.
As more users seek practical applications over price speculation, the next phase of growth will depend on usability, regulation, and inclusion.
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