Global Crypto Adoption Surges in 2025, With the UK In Lead

This year has seen a surge in crypto adoption worldwide, and the United Kingdom is one of the fastest-growing markets. According to Gemini’s latest Global State of Crypto Report, crypto ownership in the U.K. has increased to 24% in 2025, up from 18% in 2024. This change indicates a rise in public trust and interest in digital assets.

Singapore Also Sees High Crypto Adoption Trend

Gemini affirmed that the rise in the UK is due to clearer rules, easier access to crypto platforms, and increased awareness among retail and institutional investors. 

This change is part of a trend in Europe, where digital finance is becoming part of investment strategies. While the U.K. has experienced growth, Singapore leads with the highest rate of crypto ownership for the second year. 

The report shows that in 2025, 28% of people in Singapore owned cryptocurrency, up from 26% in 2024. In France, the ownership rate increased to 21% from 18%. The United States also saw a rise, reaching 21%. 

Furthermore, the popularity of spot crypto Exchange-Traded Funds (ETFs) is growing. In the US, 39% of crypto investors hold ETFs, up from 37%. Italy leads with 47%, followed by the UK at 41%, Singapore at 40%, Australia at 38%, and France at 32%.

UK Adopts Global Crypto Rules

Meanwhile, the UK is taking a firm step toward tightening its grip on crypto. Starting January 1, 2026, every crypto firm operating in the country must report detailed user and transaction data. The move is part of a global plan to reduce tax evasion and bring crypto into the same light as traditional finance.

Furthermore, the UK government is now following global rules for crypto by adopting the Crypto Asset Reporting Framework (CARF). 

This new step aims to make crypto more transparent and stop people from hiding money or avoiding taxes. It is worth noting that the UK is handling crypto differently from the EU’s new Markets in Crypto-Assets (MiCA) rules. 

Instead of creating a separate lending, borrowing, staking, and stablecoins system, the UK authority is incorporating crypto services into its current financial laws.

UK FCA Plans For Stricter Crypto Regulation

In mid-December 2024, the Financial Conduct Authority (FCA) in the United Kingdom took a step to regulate the growing crypto industry. 

It released a discussion paper on its proposed rules for cryptocurrencies. One of the main ideas in the paper is to ban public sales of cryptocurrencies. Other ideas are market rules and disclosure requirements for crypto assets.

It also addresses the need for a strong system to prevent market abuse. Implementing new rules and regulations is challenging for the regulator, but enforcing them is necessary.