Crypto ownership growth by continent in 2024
The year 2024 has witnessed a remarkable surge in cryptocurrency ownership across the globe.
With increasing investor confidence and more supportive regulatory environments, the adoption of digital currencies has reached new heights.
Here's a detailed look at how crypto ownership has grown by continent over the past year.
South America
South America has experienced the most significant growth in crypto ownership, with a staggering increase of 116.5% (55.2 million owners) from 2023 to 2024. This surge is largely driven by countries like Argentina and Brazil, where economic instability and hyperinflation have led many to seek refuge in digital assets. Argentina, in particular, has seen crypto ownership rates soar to 18.9% of the population.
Oceania
Oceania follows closely with a 114.3% (3 million owners) increase in crypto ownership. Australia has been at the forefront of this growth, supported by a robust regulatory framework and a growing number of regional crypto exchanges. The initial deposit values among retail investors have also seen a significant rise, reflecting the increasing trust in digital currencies.
Europe
Europe has seen a 60.3% increase in crypto ownership, with the number of crypto owners rising from 30.7 million in 2023 to 49.2 million in 2024. Countries like Germany, the UK, and France have been key contributors to this growth, driven by a combination of favourable regulations and growing institutional interest in cryptocurrencies.
North America
In North America, crypto ownership has grown by 38.6%, with the number of owners increasing from 52.1 million to 72.2 million. The United States and Canada continue to lead the region, with significant investments from both retail and institutional investors. The doubling of Bitcoin's price this year has also played a crucial role in boosting investor confidence.
Asia
Asia remains the largest market for cryptocurrencies, with ownership growing by 21.8% in 2024. The continent is home to more than half of the world's crypto owners (326.8 million owners), with significant contributions from countries like India, China, and Thailand. In Singapore, nearly a quarter of the population owns some form of cryptocurrency, highlighting the region's strong adoption rates.
Africa
Africa has seen a more modest growth rate of 8.5% (43.5 million owners) in crypto ownership. Despite this, the continent remains a crucial market for digital currencies, particularly in countries like Nigeria and South Africa. The use of cryptocurrencies for remittances and as a hedge against local currency devaluation continues to drive adoption in the region.
