Global Crypto Ownership Surges in 2025, Led by the UK: Insights from Gemini Report

Gemini's latest "2025 Global State of Crypto" report, released on May 27, reveals a significant rise in global cryptocurrency ownership, with the United Kingdom leading the charge. The survey, conducted among 7,205 participants across six countries, highlights trends in adoption, ownership rates, and the impact of regulatory frameworks like the European Union's MiCA regulation.

Reasons Behind the Surge in Crypto Ownership

The global increase in cryptocurrency ownership in 2025 can be attributed to several factors:

1. Memecoins Attracting New Investors: Memecoins such as Dogecoin and Shiba Inu have served as a gateway for many first-time crypto investors. The report shows that 28% of UK investors and 31% of US investors who own memecoins started their crypto journey with these assets. Globally, 94% of memecoin holders also possess other cryptocurrencies.

2. Spot Crypto ETFs Gaining Popularity: The growing availability and adoption of spot crypto exchange-traded funds (ETFs) have made investing more accessible. The UK saw 41% of its crypto investors holding ETFs, second only to Italy's 47%.

3. Strategic Bitcoin Reserve in the US: The US government's introduction of a Strategic Bitcoin Reserve has boosted public confidence in digital assets. This policy has had a ripple effect, increasing trust in cryptocurrencies in the UK (21%) and Singapore (19%).

Global Cryptocurrency Ownership Rates by Country

The report provides a detailed breakdown of cryptocurrency ownership rates in 2025:

• United Kingdom: Ownership rose from 18% in 2024 to 24% in 2025, marking the sharpest growth among surveyed nations.

• Singapore: Maintains the highest ownership rate globally at 28%, up from 26% in 2024.

• France: Increased from 18% to 21%.

• United States: Ownership climbed slightly to 22%.

• Italy: Continues to show strong adoption, with 47% of crypto investors holding ETFs.

• Australia: Also reported significant growth, with 38% of investors holding ETFs.

This data underscores the global appeal of cryptocurrencies, with nearly one in four individuals now owning some form of digital asset.

Crypto ownership percentage in the US, UK, France, Singapore, Italy and Australia. Source: Gemini

The Impact of the EU's MiCA Regulation

The European Union's Markets in Crypto-Assets (MiCA) regulation has played a pivotal role in shaping the crypto landscape:

1. Regulatory Clarity: MiCA provides a comprehensive framework for digital assets, fostering a more secure environment for investors.

2. Improved Sentiment in Europe: Countries like France and the UK have seen increased adoption, reflecting a warming regulatory environment.

3. Influence Beyond Borders: Although the UK has yet to implement a MiCA-equivalent framework, its crypto market has benefited indirectly from the regulatory stability in Europe.

Gemini's Head of Europe, Mark Jennings, noted that the UK's financial hub status and the influence of pro-crypto policies in the US have further accelerated adoption.

An excerpt from the UK’s draft statutory instrument for crypto regulation. Source: Gov.uk

The Road Ahead for Global Crypto Adoption

The "2025 Global State of Crypto" report by Gemini paints an optimistic picture of the cryptocurrency market. With the UK leading in adoption growth, Singapore maintaining its top position, and the EU's MiCA regulation fostering a stable environment, the future of crypto appears increasingly bright. As more individuals and institutions embrace digital assets, the global financial landscape is poised for transformative change.