Key Takeaways
- Global Growth: Cryptocurrency ownership surged by 13.0% in 2024, reaching 659 million users by December—up from 583 million in January.
- Bitcoin (BTC): Ownership increased by 13.1%, with 337 million holders (51.2% of global owners).
- Ethereum (ETH): Ownership rose by 13.6%, totaling 142 million holders (21.7% of global owners).
- Spot ETFs: An estimated 300,000–1.2 million investors gained BTC exposure through US spot ETFs, exclusive of on-chain ownership.
Adoption Catalysts
- Bitcoin: Institutional interest and pro-crypto policies during the US election drove adoption.
- Ethereum: The Dencun upgrade (enhancing L2 scalability) and spot ETH ETF launches fueled growth.
Market Trends Analysis
Bitcoin Dominance
- Maintained 51%+ ownership share globally.
- Institutional inflows via ETFs signaled mainstream acceptance.
Ethereum’s Ecosystem Expansion
- Layer-2 (L2) networks like Arbitrum and Optimism gained traction post-Dencun.
- Spot ETFs simplified ETH access for traditional investors.
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FAQ
1. How accurate are these ownership estimates?
Our data combines on-chain analysis and exchange metrics, with a margin of error <5%.
2. Why did ETH grow faster than BTC in 2024?
Ethereum’s L2 rally and ETF debut attracted retail and institutional capital.
3. Will ETF investors impact future BTC ownership reports?
Yes—ETF holders are excluded from on-chain counts but reflect broader market participation.
4. What’s next for crypto adoption?
Regulatory clarity (e.g., US election outcomes) and tech upgrades (e.g., Ethereum’s Verkle Trees) will shape 2025 growth.
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Report methodology adheres to Crypto.com Research standards.
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