The cryptocurrency landscape is experiencing a notable surge in consumer adoption, as highlighted in Gemini’s recent ‘2025 Global State of Crypto’ report. Released on Tuesday, the report reveals that the U.K. has emerged as a leader in this growing trend, with ownership among consumers rising to 24% from 18% in 2024. France is not far behind, boasting a 21% ownership rate, up from 18%, while the U.S. also saw a modest increase to 21%. Singapore remains at the forefront with an impressive 28%, showing a rise from 26%.
A significant factor contributing to this wave of interest appears to be President Trump’s recently announced Strategic Bitcoin Reserve, which has noticeably bolstered confidence in digital assets. According to the report, 23% of U.S. individuals who do not yet own cryptocurrencies indicated that this move increased their trust in digital currencies. Similar sentiments were echoed in the U.K. with 21%, and in Singapore at 19%.
Another interesting finding from the survey indicates that memecoins are driving many new investors into the crypto markets. In the U.S., for example, 31% of investors who own both memecoins and traditional cryptocurrencies reported that they began their journey with memecoins. This trend is mirrored in other countries as well, with 30% in Australia and 28% in the U.K. Interestingly, a staggering 94% of memecoin holders globally also possess other cryptocurrencies, highlighting the interwoven nature of these digital assets.
The report also highlights the growing popularity of spot crypto exchange-traded funds (ETFs), with 39% of U.S. crypto investors now holding ETFs, up from 37%. Italy leads this trend at 47%, followed closely by the U.K. at 41%, Singapore at 40%, Australia at 38%, and France at 32%. The research was conducted based on a survey of 7,205 consumers across the U.S., U.K., France, Italy, Australia, and Singapore between March and April 2025.
Read more: Crypto Retail Market Is Poised for a Rebound: Gemini
Crypto Adoption Trends in 2025
Key points from the ‘2025 Global State of Crypto’ report:
- Increased Consumer Adoption:
- U.K. crypto ownership rose to 24% from 18% in 2024.
- France’s ownership reached 21%, up from 18%.
- The U.S. saw a slight increase to 21% ownership.
- Singapore led with 28%, an increase from 26%.
- Impact of Political Actions:
- President Trump’s Strategic Bitcoin Reserve launch boosted U.S. confidence in crypto.
- 23% of U.S. non-owners reported increased trust in digital assets due to political events.
- Similar confidence boost observed in the U.K. (21%) and Singapore (19%).
- Role of Memecoins:
- Memecoins are attracting new investors; 31% of U.S. investors began with memecoins.
- Memecoin trends were also noted in Australia (30%) and the U.K. (28%).
- Globally, 94% of memecoin holders possess other crypto assets.
- Growth of Crypto ETFs:
- 39% of U.S. crypto investors hold spot exchange-traded funds (ETFs), up from 37%.
- Italy leads with 47% ETF ownership, followed by the U.K. (41%) and Singapore (40%).
- Other countries show significant ETF popularity: Australia (38%) and France (32%).
The reported increase in crypto adoption could impact readers by encouraging investment in digital assets, diversifying portfolios, and enhancing awareness of market developments.
Crypto Adoption Surge in 2025: A Competitive Landscape Analysis
The rise in consumer adoption of cryptocurrency in 2025 has positioned the U.K. as a powerful player in the global market, following a notable increase from 18% to 24% ownership among its population. This upward trend is also mirrored in neighboring countries like France and leadership contenders such as Singapore, showcasing a broader acceptance of digital assets across Europe and Asia. One of the standout points from the ‘2025 Global State of Crypto’ report by Gemini is the significant contribution of strategic endorsements, such as President Trump’s initiation of a Strategic Bitcoin Reserve, which has notably bolstered consumer confidence regarding cryptocurrency, particularly in the U.S., where 23% of non-owners reported increased trust in digital assets.
While the enthusiasm for crypto is on the rise, there are competitive advantages and disadvantages worth examining. The popularization of memecoins has emerged as a driving force for new entrants in the market. Interestingly, 31% of U.S. investors indicated that they began their crypto journey with memecoins, establishing a trend that has similarly impacted markets in the U.K. and Australia. This surge could potentially create challenges for traditional cryptocurrencies, as investors might over-prioritize short-term gains over the stability offered by established digital assets.
Furthermore, the growth of spot cryptocurrency exchange-traded funds (ETFs) signifies a diversified approach to crypto investing, with 39% of U.S. crypto investors now opting for ETFs, illustrating a strong preference for regulated investment vehicles that encompass a broader portfolio approach. Countries like Italy and the U.K. lead with even higher ETF adoption rates, which might result in a more mature investment landscape. This trend poses a risk for non-ETF crypto platforms that might struggle to attract institutional investors seeking security and regulation.
As the landscape evolves, the benefits of crypto adoption are particularly pronounced for younger investors and risk-tolerant consumers, who may find increased opportunities for growth and diversification. Conversely, established financial institutions and traditional investors could face significant disruptions as the rise of memecoins and ETFs diversifies investment strategies and threatens conventional asset classes. Overall, the year 2025 is shaping up to usher in a new phase of crypto engagement, with potential benefits for some and hurdles for others in the finance realm.
