Despite the growing popularity of Bitcoin, only 4% of the world’s population owns it, according to a new report from financial company River.
The report reveals that the highest concentration of Bitcoin (BTC) ownership is in the United States, where about 14% of the population owns the cryptocurrency. At the same time, Africa has the lowest adoption rate—just 1.6%.
River notes that Bitcoin is still in the early stages of global adoption, currently having reached only 3% of its potential mass adoption. This means Bitcoin (BTC) has enormous room for growth in the coming years.
How is Bitcoin’s potential calculated?
According to River, the total addressable market for Bitcoin includes:
- Governments
- Corporations
- Financial institutions
- Private investors
Currently, only 1% of institutions actually own Bitcoin (BTC), which further limits its mass adoption.
The company concludes that Bitcoin (BTC) is still in the early stages of global development, signaling significant growth potential in the coming years.
What’s preventing mass Bitcoin adoption?
Bitcoin (BTC) sits at the crossroads of technology and finance—two inherently complex fields. This creates a barrier to entry for the general public.
Key obstacles to mass Bitcoin adoption
Lack of financial and technical education:
- Many people do not fully understand how Bitcoin works.
- Some still believe that Bitcoin (BTC) is a scam or a Ponzi scheme.
High Bitcoin volatility:
- BTC often experiences large price swings over short periods.
- This is ideal for traders but unsuitable for long-term investors.
- Volatility discourages people from using Bitcoin (BTC) as a medium of exchange or store of value.
Emerging markets prefer stablecoins:
- In countries with unstable currencies like Argentina, Venezuela, and Nigeria, people prefer stablecoins (USDT, USDC) over Bitcoin.
- The reason? They are less volatile and more predictable for everyday transactions.
Will stablecoins dominate instead of Bitcoin?
During the White House Crypto Summit on March 7, U.S. Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent stated:
The U.S. will use stablecoins to ensure the dominance of the U.S. dollar and maintain its status as the world’s leading reserve currency.— Scott Bessent
This means the U.S. does not see Bitcoin as the primary tool for global payments but instead is betting on digital dollars.
If central banks and governments prefer stablecoins over Bitcoin (BTC), this could delay Bitcoin’s global adoption as a major financial asset.
What’s next for Bitcoin?
- Only 4% of the global population owns Bitcoin (BTC)—which means there’s enormous room for growth.
- The main barriers to mass adoption are lack of education and high volatility.
- Stablecoins are becoming the preferred instrument for payments in emerging markets.
What will shape Bitcoin’s future?
- If more institutions start investing in Bitcoin (BTC), adoption will accelerate.
- Educational campaigns and reduced volatility will help attract new users.
- The role of stablecoins in the global financial system may compete with Bitcoin as a means of payment.
Will Bitcoin (BTC) manage to break the 10% global adoption barrier? That remains to be seen in the coming years!
Frequently Asked Questions about Bitcoin
Find answers to the most common questions below.
Approximately 4% of the global population, with 14% in the U.S. and only 1.6% in Africa.
Due to a lack of education, high volatility, and a preference for stablecoins in emerging markets.
Only 1% of institutions currently hold Bitcoin (BTC). Widespread adoption will accelerate if major corporations and banks begin investing.
Not anytime soon. Bitcoin (BTC) is more like digital gold, while governments are promoting stablecoins.
Education, regulatory clarity, and reduced volatility can make Bitcoin (BTC) more accessible and widely used.
This article is for general informational purposes only and is not intended to be, nor should it be considered, legal or investment advice.
