According to a recent prediction by Lunu CEO, the cryptocurrency market is set for unprecedented growth over the next few years. The current number of crypto holders, estimated at 560 million globally, could triple by 2026, reaching approximately 1.68 billion. This prediction underscores the rapid expansion of the crypto sector despite the ongoing challenges related to user experience and accessibility.
Pavlo Denysiuk, CEO of the crypto payments company Lunu, predicts that the number of cryptocurrency holders might triple within the next two years, given the current growth trends. Speaking at the NFT Fest 2024, Denysiuk stated:
“Within two years, there will be at least two or three times more crypto holders worldwide. This is where we get more adoption everywhere, in terms of payments, as well.”
According to the 2024 Cryptocurrency Ownership report by Triple-A, approximately 560 million people globally are crypto holders, which represents about 6.8% of the world’s population. With nearly 7% of people holding cryptocurrency, the widespread adoption of crypto payments seems inevitable.
As Denysiuk noted, this adoption will accelerate once mainstream companies, such as Starbucks, begin providing the necessary infrastructure.
“Crypto payment adoption is not something that you need to convince someone of. Whenever the infrastructure is there, whenever you come to your Starbucks shop or somewhere else and there is a sticker saying ‘we accept crypto.”
“It’s just another payment method,” added Denysiuk, explaining that crypto payments aren’t significantly different from today’s credit card and neobank-enabled digital payments, which are already popular in the mainstream.
The growth forecast also aligns with recent news reports which have highlighted a steady increase in the number of people investing in cryptocurrencies. These sources noted that the rise of user-friendly platforms and increased institutional interest are key factors contributing to this expansion.
Despite this optimistic outlook, analysts have identified challenges pertaining to user experience. To address these challenges, companies within the crypto industry are investing heavily in developing more accessible platforms. This includes improving interfaces, enhancing security measures, and offering better customer support. By simplifying the user experience, these efforts aim to make cryptocurrencies more appealing to the average consumer.
In addition to user experience improvements, there is a push for better regulatory clarity. Governments around the world are increasingly recognising the importance of cryptocurrencies and are working to establish clearer guidelines. This regulatory progress is expected to further boost confidence among potential crypto holders and investors.
Number of Crypto Holders: The Future of Bitcoin and Ethereum
The anticipated growth in the number of crypto holders will likely have a significant impact on the prices and adoption rates of leading cryptocurrencies such as Bitcoin and Ethereum. Bitcoin (BTC) remains the most well-known and widely held digital currency, often referred to as the “digital gold” of the crypto world. Ethereum (ETH), on the other hand, is renowned for its smart contract capabilities and has a robust ecosystem of decentralized applications (dApps).
Analysts predict that the increasing number of crypto holders will drive demand for these major cryptocurrencies, potentially leading to substantial price increases. However, the market is also expected to see diversification, with investors exploring a wider range of digital assets beyond BTC and ETH.
The forecast of a threefold increase in the number of crypto holders by 2026 underscores the cryptocurrency market’s transformative potential. As the industry works to overcome user experience challenges and regulatory uncertainties, the future looks promising for digital assets. With greater adoption on the horizon, cryptocurrencies like Bitcoin and Ethereum are poised to play an increasingly central role in the global financial system.
By focusing on improving user experience and fostering regulatory clarity, the crypto industry can pave the way for broader adoption and sustained growth. As we approach 2026, the anticipated surge in the number of crypto holders will likely reshape the financial landscape, making digital assets an integral part of everyday transactions and investments.
With the right developments and strategic efforts, the future of cryptocurrencies looks bright, promising a more inclusive and innovative financial ecosystem for all.
For regular updates on the evolving crypto landscape, stay tuned to The BIT Journal, your go-to source for the latest news and insights in the world of digital currencies.
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