If it feels like everyone suddenly has a wallet full of coins or a cousin pitching their latest NFT project, you’re not imagining it. Cryptocurrency has moved way past fringe tech forums and deep into the mainstream. From finance bros to freelance designers, more and more people are investing, trading, or at least dabbling.
Some are in it for the tech, others for the profits, and some just want to try buying a little Bitcoin on a UK crypto exchange to see what the hype’s about. Either way, crypto is booming. So, how many people are actually in the game? And if you’re not, should you be?
Let’s break it down.
What is cryptocurrency?
At its core, cryptocurrency is digital money that lives on a public ledger called a blockchain. Bitcoin, launched in 2009, proved you could move value online without a bank in the middle. Ethereum expanded the idea with “smart contracts,” bits of code that let apps — think lending platforms or NFT markets — run automatically. Stablecoins round out the mix. They’re tokens, such as USDC, that track a real-world asset like the U.S. dollar so that prices don’t swing wildly.
You hold crypto in a wallet, which is just a fancy name for software (or a small USB-style device) that stores the keys, proving those coins are yours. You can swap tokens on an exchange, pay a friend, or even stake coins to help secure a network and earn rewards.
How many people own cryptocurrency globally?
Fresh research puts worldwide crypto ownership at roughly 560 million people — about 6.8 percent of Earth’s population. Growth has been fastest in Asia, where exchanges and super-apps make onboarding easy. In India and Vietnam, ownership rates now sit in the double digits, pushed by remittances and mobile trading. The United States claims an estimated 17 percent of adults — around 45 million people — thanks to mainstream brokers and ETFs.
Europe hovers near 11 percent, led by the U.K. and Germany, where clear tax guidelines have reduced hesitation. Africa’s share is smaller in raw numbers but rising quickly in Nigeria, Kenya, and South Africa, where volatile local currencies push residents toward dollar-pegged stablecoins. Latin America shows a similar pattern: countries facing high inflation, such as Argentina and Brazil, see crypto as a store of value and a way to access U.S. dollars.
Regional differences boil down to local pain points — currency instability, strict capital controls, or a tech-savvy youth base. Combine those factors with cheaper smartphones and easier on-ramps, and global ownership keeps climbing month after month.
Who’s investing and why?
Most crypto investors today fall into the Millennial and Gen Z brackets. These younger age groups are generally more comfortable with tech, open to financial alternatives, and less tied to traditional investment routes like mutual funds or real estate. According to Pew Research and Gemini’s crypto reports, the average crypto holder is between 18 and 40, though Gen X isn’t far behind.
But Boomers aren’t out of the picture. While their numbers are smaller, older investors have started warming up to crypto, especially as mainstream platforms and ETFs make entry points less intimidating. Plus, some are simply diversifying portfolios in the face of market volatility and inflation.
Motivations vary widely. Some are looking for potential long-term returns, while others are hedging against inflation or unstable local currencies. There’s also a strong undercurrent of curiosity and FOMO, especially when headlines highlight crypto surges or friends are cashing in. And for many in emerging markets, crypto isn’t just an investment but a practical tool for storing value or sending money across borders more affordably.
Should beginners look into buying crypto now?
Short answer: Maybe but proceed with context, not hype.
Cryptocurrency is still volatile. Prices can swing dramatically in short periods, and not every project has staying power. That said, the industry is more regulated, accessible, and integrated into traditional finance than ever before. Governments are drafting clearer tax and compliance guidelines, and institutional interest is slowly helping stabilize the space.
If you’re new, start small. Consider allocating just a tiny percentage of your investment portfolio — something you’re comfortable potentially losing — and focus on well-established assets like Bitcoin or Ethereum. Avoid chasing hype coins or promises of guaranteed returns.
Also helpful: use trusted platforms, enable two-factor authentication, and take time to learn how wallets, fees, and taxes work. Think of it less like a get-rich-quick opportunity and more like testing the waters of a new financial frontier. Done right, crypto can be a smart long-term play, but only if you treat it like any other investment: with caution, research, and patience.
Wallets, waves, and what’s next
So, how many people own cryptocurrency? A lot, and that number is only climbing. From global inflation workarounds to tech-driven curiosity, crypto is becoming a go-to option for millions.
Whether you’re already in or still on the fence, the key is staying informed. As the world keeps moving toward decentralized finance, understanding the basics now could help you ride the next wave, not chase it.
The above information does not constitute any form of advice or recommendation by London Loves Business and is not intended to be relied upon by users in making (or refraining from making) any finance decisions. Appropriate independent advice should be obtained before making any such decision. London Loves Business bears no responsibility for any gains or losses.
