600 million people from all over the world have invested in cryptoassets. In which areas are the most investors?
The crypto industry is maturing and 2026 is shaping up to be the year of real regulation and integration with mainstream finance. Global data confirms the growing interest in digital assets, with an estimated 600 million holders worldwide.
600 million people have invested in cryptoassets
The past year has changed the crypto market, which has gained new legitimacy among investors around the world, say Bitget analysts. According to them, the digital assets held worldwide is increasing, on the back of the high participation of institutional investors. Moreover, it is a structural change of the entire financial system, where traditional assets and cryptocurrencies merge.
Retail transactions grew 125% between January and September 2025 compared to the same period in 2024, according to TRM Labs' 2025 Crypto Adoption and Stablecoin Usage report. Thus, the crypto market demonstrates that it has moved from “edge of the internet” at the center of everyday commerce.
Also, about 10% of the 6 billion internet users now own some form of cryptocurrency, the Digital 2026 Global Overview report also shows. This figure represents a 12.5% increase in the total number of holders between early 2025 and early 2026. The total reaches 600 million and confirms the ever deeper integration of digital assets into life “online population” global.
Crypto Investor Profile
The latest data from the Digital 2026 Global Overview report shows that 25% of cryptocurrency holders are between 25 and 34 years old, while 20% of them are in the 16-24 age range, and 22% are between 35 and 44 years old. This fragmentation confirms the interest from the Millennials and Gen Z generations. These are younger digitally native groups that often show a distrust of traditional financial institutions.
For them, decentralized alternative investments represent not only a financial opportunity, but also a response to the current situation in which they find themselves, especially when the classic banking system often seems inaccessible or outdated, says Ignacio Aguirre Franco.
49% year-over-year transaction growth in the US
Although the global numbers are impressive, the motivations for adoption vary from region to region. For example, North America has already solidified its position as a global institutional hub for digital assets. The region saw an annual growth of 49%, accounting for 26% of global trading activity during the period under review, according to the Chainalysis 2025 Geography of Cryptocurrency report.
In this case, the main driver is the large-scale integration of spot ETFs on Bitcoin, launched by large asset management companies. This transition from speculative excitement to long-term capital allocation demonstrates that in North America, Bitcoin is increasingly viewed as a legitimate reserve asset for treasurers.
In contrast, the Asia-Pacific region leads in terms of growth speed, with an annual advance of 69%. Here, adoption opens up a model based on practical utility at the grassroots level. The portfolios are highly diversified, reflecting concrete needs, from intensive use of DeFi platforms and blockchain gaming to essential services such as international money transfers.
Similarly, in Latin America, digital assets have evolved into a functional necessity. The region's 63% growth is supported by heavy use of stablecoins pegged to the US dollar. In markets such as Brazil and Argentina, these “digital dollars” have become primary tools for daily trade and for protecting savings against the devaluation of local currencies, explains Bitget's marketing director.
42% growth in Europe
Europe maintains an important position with an annual growth of 42%. Germany has emerged as the preferred destination for cryptocurrency companies, with a 54% increase over the past year. Major growth is also taking place in Eastern Europe, where the combination of economic uncertainty and high levels of technical competence make digital assets an attractive alternative for preserving value.
Although the final implementation of the MiCA framework in December 2025 has created a basis of trust worldwide, European retail portfolios remain cautious, being still heavily concentrated in “blue chips” such as Bitcoin and Ethereum, Bitget's marketing director also emphasizes.
Statista: 12.24% of the world's population will own crypto assets by the end of the year
The trajectory for 2026 suggests that the global narrative is shifting from excitement-fueled speculation to infrastructure-based adoption. According to Statista, cryptocurrency adoption is expected to reach 12.24% of the population by the end of this year, signaling an important step towards the “early majority” phase of the technology's lifecycle.
This next stage is defined by Bitcoin treasuries and sophisticated financial products. Institutional adoption has become a signal of legitimacy, with corporate Bitcoin holdings growing 84% year-over-year, surpassing 1.08 million BTC by the end of 2025.
Several banks involved in crypto-asset transactions
Big financial institutions are no longer sitting on the sidelines: JPMorgan has launched structured bond products linked to Bitcoin ETFs, and traditionally cautious giants like Vanguard have opened their platforms to crypto assets. At the same time, the European consortium Qivalis, led by banks such as ING and BNP Paribas, is set to launch a regulated euro stablecoin by the end of 2026, further closing the gap between traditional and digital finance.
“Finally, the 2025 data shows that the challenge for 2026 is no longer proving the existence of cryptocurrencies, but refining their practical value. Whether through the institutional depth of the West or the operational utility of the Global South, the global financial system is moving towards an on-chain reality that prioritizes resilient market structures, at the expense of temporary enthusiasm”, the analysis also states.
