100M PEOPLE WORLDWIDE NOW USE CRYPTO-BASED ASSETS, SAYS CAMBRIDGE STUDY

Last updated: June 19, 2025, 19:45 | Written by: Linda Xie

The world of cryptocurrency has exploded in recent years, transforming from a niche interest to a mainstream phenomenon.Forget the days when digital currencies were confined to the dark corners of the internet; now, your neighbor, your grandmother, and maybe even your cat are all potentially dabbling in the digital asset market. Skyrocketing figures show crypto s growing global dominance Please note, this is a STATIC archive of website cointelegraph.com from, cach3.com does not collect or store any user information, there is no phishing involved.A recent study by the Cambridge Centre for Alternative Finance confirms this surge, revealing that a staggering 100 million people worldwide are currently using crypto-based assets.This landmark figure underscores the growing global dominance of cryptocurrencies like Bitcoin (BTC) and other blockchain-related innovations.But what does this rapid adoption mean for the future of finance? Em 2025, o 2 Global Cryptoasset Benchmarking Study estimou o n mero de usu rios cripto de identidade verificada em cerca de 35 milh es ao redor do mundo. No terceiro trimestre de 2025, havia at 191 milh es de contas abertas em exchanges de criptomoedas - um n mero que n o inclui carteiras auto-hospedadas.How did we get here? The University of Cambridge estimates that the number of global crypto asset users has increased by a whopping 189% since 2025.And what are the implications for investors, regulators, and the average individual navigating this exciting and often complex landscape?

This isn't just a number; it's a testament to the transformative power of decentralized finance and a hint of the disruptive potential it holds. 英国の名門ケンブリッジ大学のオルタナティブ金融センターの研究レポートによると、現在世界で1億人以上の人がビットコイン（BTC）など仮想通貨を保有している。Let’s delve into the details of this groundbreaking study and explore the factors driving this monumental shift towards crypto-based assets, including the impact on exchanges, payments, custody solutions, and the energy-intensive realm of crypto mining.

The Cambridge Study: A Deep Dive into Crypto Adoption

The Cambridge Centre for Alternative Finance (CCAF) is a leading research institution that provides invaluable insights into the ever-evolving cryptoasset industry. It provides novel insights into the state of the cryptoasset industry, having gathered data from 280 companies in 59 countries and across four main market segments exchanges, payments, custody and mining. Full-time equivalent (FTE) employee growth slowed considerably following the late-2025 market frenzy.Their recent study, built upon data gathered from 280 companies across 59 countries, offers a comprehensive overview of the state of crypto adoption worldwide.The study analyzes four main market segments:

Exchanges: Platforms where users can buy, sell, and trade cryptocurrencies.
Payments: Systems that enable the use of cryptocurrencies for transactions.
Custody: Secure storage solutions for digital assets.
Mining: The process of validating cryptocurrency transactions and adding new blocks to the blockchain.

The core finding, that 100 million individuals globally now use crypto-based assets, represents a significant leap from previous estimates.The researchers highlighted the dramatic growth trajectory, emphasizing the increasingly mainstream appeal of cryptocurrencies.

Comparing to Previous Estimates

To fully grasp the significance of the 100 million figure, it’s crucial to compare it with earlier data.The CCAF’s 2025 Global Cryptoasset Benchmarking Study estimated the number of identity-verified crypto users at around 35 million worldwide. Skyrocketing figures show crypto s growing global dominance. Researchers at the Cambridge Centre for Alternative Finance recently revealed that 100 million people around the world currentlyThis means that in a relatively short period, the number of crypto users has nearly tripled, indicating an exponential growth rate that shows no signs of slowing down.

This jump isn't just about more people signing up for exchanges; it signifies a deeper understanding and acceptance of the underlying technology. Cambridge Study: 100M People Worldwide Now Hold Bitcoin and Other Crypto-Related AssetsUsers are not only holding crypto as an investment but are actively using it for various purposes, from online purchases to international remittances.

Factors Driving Crypto Adoption

Several factors have contributed to the remarkable growth of cryptocurrency adoption.These include:

Increased Awareness and Education: More people are becoming aware of cryptocurrencies and their potential benefits through online resources, news articles, and educational platforms.
Improved Infrastructure: The development of user-friendly wallets, exchanges, and payment gateways has made it easier for individuals to access and use cryptocurrencies.
Growing Institutional Interest: Major financial institutions, corporations, and hedge funds are increasingly investing in cryptocurrencies, lending credibility to the asset class.
Decentralized Finance (DeFi) Applications: The rise of DeFi platforms, which offer services like lending, borrowing, and trading without intermediaries, has attracted a new wave of users to the crypto space.
Inflation Concerns and Economic Uncertainty: In some regions, cryptocurrencies are seen as a hedge against inflation and economic instability, driving adoption in countries with volatile currencies.

The confluence of these factors has created a perfect storm for crypto adoption, propelling it from a niche market to a potentially transformative force in the global financial system.

The Impact on Different Market Segments

The growth in crypto adoption has had a profound impact on the four main market segments identified by the Cambridge study:

Exchanges

The number of cryptocurrency exchanges has exploded in recent years, offering users a wide range of options for buying, selling, and trading digital assets. Academics at the Cambridge Centre for Alternative Finance have mentioned that currently 100 million people across the globe hold Bitcoin (BTC) and other blockchain related assets.As demand for crypto increases, exchanges are experiencing higher trading volumes and increased competition.This has led to:

Lower Fees: Exchanges are constantly vying for users, driving down transaction fees and making it more affordable to trade cryptocurrencies.
Increased Security: Exchanges are investing heavily in security measures to protect user funds and prevent hacks.
Greater Liquidity: As trading volumes increase, the market becomes more liquid, making it easier to buy and sell cryptocurrencies without significant price slippage.
More Diverse Offerings: Exchanges are offering a wider range of cryptocurrencies and trading pairs, catering to a diverse range of investors.

Payments

The use of cryptocurrencies for payments is still in its early stages, but it is growing rapidly.Many merchants now accept Bitcoin and other cryptocurrencies as payment for goods and services, particularly online.The benefits of using crypto for payments include:

Faster Transactions: Cryptocurrency transactions can be processed much faster than traditional payment methods, especially for international transfers.
Lower Fees: Cryptocurrency transaction fees are typically lower than those charged by banks and credit card companies.
Increased Privacy: Cryptocurrency transactions can offer a greater degree of privacy than traditional payment methods.
Borderless Transactions: Cryptocurrencies can be used for cross-border payments without the need for intermediaries like banks.

Custody

Securing digital assets is a crucial aspect of the crypto ecosystem.Custody solutions provide secure storage for cryptocurrencies, protecting them from theft or loss. 25 subscribers in the mrcryptolive community. Mr Crypto publish live cryptocurrency prices along with constantly updated statistics.There are two main types of custody solutions:

Self-Custody: Users store their own cryptocurrencies using hardware wallets or software wallets. Skyrocketing figures show crypto s growing global dominance.Skyrocketing figures show crypto s growing global dominance 100M people worldwide now use crypto-based assets, says Cambridge study - InstaCoin.NewsThis gives them full control over their assets but also requires them to take responsibility for security.
Third-Party Custody: Users entrust their cryptocurrencies to a third-party custodian, such as an exchange or a specialized custody provider. The Cambridge Centre for Alternative Finance had its researchers recently reveal that 100 million people across the globe are currently holding some sort of blockchain-based asset.This offers convenience and security but also involves trusting the custodian with their assets.

As the value of cryptocurrencies increases, the demand for secure custody solutions is also growing, driving innovation in this area.

Mining

Cryptocurrency mining is the process of validating transactions and adding new blocks to the blockchain.It is a resource-intensive process that requires significant computing power and energy consumption.The environmental impact of crypto mining has been a subject of debate, leading to:

Increased Use of Renewable Energy: Many miners are now using renewable energy sources, such as solar and wind power, to reduce their carbon footprint.
Development of More Efficient Mining Hardware: Manufacturers are developing more energy-efficient mining hardware to reduce electricity consumption.
Alternative Consensus Mechanisms: Some cryptocurrencies are exploring alternative consensus mechanisms, such as proof-of-stake, which require less energy than proof-of-work.

Challenges and Opportunities

While the growth of crypto adoption is exciting, it also presents several challenges and opportunities:

Challenges

Regulatory Uncertainty: The lack of clear regulatory frameworks in many jurisdictions creates uncertainty for businesses and investors.
Price Volatility: Cryptocurrencies are known for their price volatility, which can deter some investors.
Security Risks: The crypto space is vulnerable to hacks and scams, which can result in the loss of funds.
Scalability Issues: Some cryptocurrencies struggle to handle a large number of transactions, leading to slow processing times and high fees.
Environmental Concerns: The energy consumption of crypto mining raises environmental concerns.

Opportunities

Financial Inclusion: Cryptocurrencies can provide access to financial services for the unbanked and underbanked populations.
Innovation: The crypto space is a hotbed of innovation, with new applications and technologies emerging constantly.
Economic Growth: The crypto industry has the potential to create new jobs and stimulate economic growth.
Decentralization: Cryptocurrencies can empower individuals and reduce reliance on centralized institutions.
Cross-Border Payments: Cryptocurrencies can facilitate faster and cheaper cross-border payments.

Addressing Common Questions About Crypto Adoption

The rise of crypto raises many questions. A Private Investor is a recipient of the information who meets all of the conditions set out below, the recipientHere are answers to some of the most common:

Is Cryptocurrency Adoption Just a Fad?

While the crypto market experiences cycles of boom and bust, the underlying technology and its potential applications are likely to remain relevant. Skyrocketing figures show crypto's growing global dominance.Skyrocketing figures show crypto's growing global dominance Continue reading 100M people worldwide now use crypto-based asse Ftse Mib 34.703,56The increasing adoption rates, as highlighted by the Cambridge study, suggest that crypto is becoming more integrated into the financial system, rather than simply being a passing trend.

Is Cryptocurrency Safe?

The safety of cryptocurrency depends on several factors, including the security of the wallet or exchange used, the user's knowledge of security best practices, and the specific cryptocurrency itself.Users should take precautions such as enabling two-factor authentication, using strong passwords, and storing their private keys offline.

Will Cryptocurrency Replace Traditional Currencies?

It is unlikely that cryptocurrency will completely replace traditional currencies in the near future.However, it is possible that cryptocurrencies will become more widely used as a complement to traditional currencies, particularly for online transactions and cross-border payments.

How Can I Learn More About Cryptocurrency?

There are many resources available for learning about cryptocurrency, including online courses, articles, and books.It is important to do your own research and consult with a financial advisor before investing in cryptocurrency.

The Future of Crypto Adoption: What to Expect

The Cambridge study provides a snapshot of the current state of crypto adoption, but what does the future hold? See full list on insidebitcoins.comSeveral trends are likely to shape the evolution of the crypto landscape in the coming years:

Increased Regulation: Governments around the world are working on developing regulatory frameworks for cryptocurrencies.This could lead to greater legitimacy and stability in the market.
Mainstream Adoption: As more businesses and institutions adopt cryptocurrencies, they will become more integrated into the mainstream economy.
Development of New Applications: New and innovative applications of blockchain technology are constantly being developed, which could drive further adoption.
Greater Focus on Sustainability: The crypto industry is likely to face increasing pressure to address its environmental impact, leading to the development of more sustainable mining practices and consensus mechanisms.

The Slowdown in Full-Time Employee Growth

Interestingly, the Cambridge study also notes that full-time equivalent (FTE) employee growth slowed considerably following the late-2025 market frenzy. Researchers at the Cambridge Centre for Alternative Finance recently revealed that 100 million people around the world currently hold Bitcoin (BTC) and other blockchain-based assets. In 2025, the 2nd Global Cryptoasset Benchmarking Study estimated the number of identity-verified crypto users at about 35 million globally.This could indicate a period of consolidation in the crypto industry, with companies focusing on efficiency and profitability rather than rapid expansion.It could also reflect a shift towards automation and the use of more efficient technologies.

Practical Advice for Navigating the Crypto Landscape

For those looking to enter or better understand the crypto space, here are some practical tips:

Educate Yourself: Don't invest in anything you don't understand.Research different cryptocurrencies and blockchain technologies.
Start Small: Begin with a small investment to get a feel for the market and its volatility.
Diversify Your Portfolio: Don't put all your eggs in one basket. Posted by u/FuzzyOneAdmin - 1 vote and no commentsSpread your investments across different cryptocurrencies.
Secure Your Assets: Use strong passwords, enable two-factor authentication, and consider storing your cryptocurrencies in a hardware wallet.
Stay Informed: Keep up with the latest news and developments in the crypto space.
Be Cautious of Scams: Be wary of promises of high returns and avoid investing in projects that seem too good to be true.
Consult a Financial Advisor: If you are unsure about investing in cryptocurrency, seek advice from a qualified financial advisor.

Conclusion: Crypto's Continued Growth and Integration

The Cambridge study's finding that 100 million people worldwide now use crypto-based assets is a watershed moment, underscoring the growing global acceptance and integration of cryptocurrencies. Skyrocketing figures show crypto's growing global dominance.[BREAK] Listen to article Researchers at the Cambridge Centre for Alternative Finance recently revealed that 100 million people around the world currently hold Bitcoin and other blockchain-based assets.[BREAK] In 2025, the 2nd Global Cryptoasset Benchmarking Study estimated the number of identity-verified crypto users at about 35This remarkable growth is driven by a confluence of factors, including increased awareness, improved infrastructure, and the rise of DeFi.While challenges remain, such as regulatory uncertainty and price volatility, the opportunities presented by cryptocurrencies are undeniable, from financial inclusion to innovation and economic growth. Revix RoundupThe key takeaways are clear: crypto is here to stay, and its continued evolution will reshape the future of finance. The Cambridge Centre for Alternative Finance had its researchers recently reveal that 100 million people across the globe are currently holding some sort of blockchain-based asset. Massive GrowthAs more individuals and institutions embrace digital assets, it's crucial to stay informed, exercise caution, and approach this exciting new frontier with a blend of curiosity and critical thinking.It is important to remember that the world of cryptocurrency is volatile and proper research should be undertaken before venturing into it.