Over the past several years, cryptocurrencies have shifted from an experimental curiosity to a more widely recognized part of millions of people's lives. Yet, the road to full adoption remains long and foggy — some regions are racing ahead while others are biting the dust. Below, we'll explore how far the blockchain has come, what's fueling the conquest, and the ongoing barriers to truly global crypto adoption.
Rising Awareness but Uneven Progress
It's no secret that cryptocurrency awareness strongly depends on BTC price, and while the first crypto is looking for its lows, awareness is at an all-time high. Approximately 39% of people worldwide are now familiar with digital assets. True OGs may have flashbacks to the early 2010s, when Bitcoin was a niche topic on cypherpunk newsletters or forums.
However, the numbers differ worldwide. According to TGM Cryptocurrency Insights 2024, Africa leads with 59% familiarity, followed by the Middle East and APAC (Asia-Pacific) markets, where the hunger for digital innovation drives interest.
Meanwhile, North America and Western Europe show solid but slower-growing awareness levels, followed by regulation and institutional adoption discussions.
Source: TGM Research
Knowing vs. Using: The Everyday Gap
Hearing about crypto and using it are two different things. You might know what Bitcoin or Ethereum is, but do you buy coffee with it or send it to relatives overseas? Although 43% of people globally have experimented with cryptocurrencies — whether through trading, holding, or small-scale transactions — regular, day-to-day use is still behind desired levels.
One reason is complexity. A friend might hype up a new DeFi platform. Still, everyday users get anxious once it involves something more complicated than connecting wallets and confirming transactions, e.g., bridging networks and doing magic with seed phrases. Another factor is security concerns. The media usually mentions crypto in a negative light, focusing on hacks and rug pulls rather than innovation, which doesn't actually attract newcomers.
And then Kolo enters the stage — a sleek, user-friendly crypto card that makes digital assets feel as effortless as cash. Kolo Card removes a need for seed phrase juggling and complicated DeFi steps, letting anyone tap and pay for everyday purchases — a latte, groceries, or even a plane ticket — straight from your crypto balance.
The Millennials Factor
Millennials rule as a driving force of crypto adoption. Specifically, people between 25 and 34 appear to be the most enthusiastic, as nearly 49% of them own or use crypto. Why? Growing up in the digital era, they're at ease with fintech apps, online shopping, and the gig economy. This group may also be the most skeptical about traditional banking. Millennials see crypto as an alternative that fits their mobile lifestyle.
For them, crypto is not just trading: many use stablecoins for cross-border payments, investing in crypto, and trying new passive income strategies like yield-farming. Therefore, millennials are curious and risk-tolerant enough to push crypto adoption further.
Source: TGM Research
Global Adoption, Region by Region
As we look at how different parts of the world are implementing cryptocurrencies in their financial systems, it’s clear that each region is taking its own unique path.
Let’s take a closer look at the different regions and see how cryptocurrencies are embedded in the everyday lives of citizens:
North America
The United States stands out for Bitcoin ownership: around 28% of Americans report holding BTC. That might not sound like a majority, but it's 65M part of a country with over 330M population. America is also one of the first regions where mainstream retailers have begun experimenting with crypto payments, easing the "Where can I spend this?" question.
Another trend in the United States is a state-level crypto acceptance. In 2025, over half (27) U.S. states are introducing laws to include Bitcoin and other digital assets in their financial systems.
Europe
In Europe, Switzerland and Germany take the lead in promoting a forward-thinking environment for Bitcoin. Switzerland’s canton of Zug, often called “Crypto Valley,” actively welcomes blockchain-based ventures and even accepts Bitcoin for tax payments. Meanwhile, Germany now recognizes cryptocurrencies as private money, so more cafés and shops are starting to accept them.
Latin America
Many parts of Latin America face economic challenges that drive people toward Bitcoin as a safeguard against inflation. In Venezuela and Argentina, for instance, citizens use cryptocurrencies to maintain their funds’ purchasing power. El Salvador made Bitcoin legal money to help more people access banking and make sending money home easier. The move remains one of the most debated financial decisions globally — we’ll see its true impact in years or even decades.
Asia
Japan was among the first nations to accept Bitcoin as a payment method, allowing major retailers and local authorities to integrate digital currency into their services. In South Korea, a tech-savvy population has fueled enthusiasm for digital assets, particularly among younger generations interested in innovative finance. No surprise, as Japan was one of the first countries to introduce CEXs as early as 2010, while South Korea year to year holds leading positions in terms of users’ crypto transaction volumes and crypto adoption.
UAE
As of 2025, the UAE has firmly established itself as one of the world’s most crypto-forward countries. With over $40 billion in annual crypto transactions and more than 30% of the population holding digital assets, it's no surprise that Dubai regularly hosts major global crypto events. The Dubai Financial Services Authority (DFSA) has introduced a clear regulatory framework for crypto tokens and even accepts payments in Bitcoin, Ethereum, and USDT for things like trade licenses and visas. Moreover, the UAE has eliminated taxes on crypto transactions — part of a broader push to position itself as a leading digital economy.
Are We Near the Tipping Point?
It’s clear that crypto is no longer just for the tech-savvy or the thrill-seeking trader. Nearly 40% of the global population knows what digital assets are, and usage continues to climb — from millennials fueling the next wave of adoption to entire countries recognizing Bitcoin as legal tender.
While the road ahead is still uncertain and full of skepticism, we've played these games before and see how adoption rises. Payment tools, intuitive interfaces that lower the entry barrier are taking shape, making it easier than ever to integrate crypto into daily life. In the end, the question isn’t whether we’ll reach mass adoption, but how soon — and Kolo is stepping up to make that future arrive a little faster.
