Cryptocurrency ownership in the UK is rising fast. In 2025, the country has outpaced major economies like the US and France, showing clear signs that digital assets are becoming a main part of how people save and spend money. These changes are not just about technology, they’re shaping how businesses approach payments, marketing, and even new services. Let’s dig into the numbers and see what they mean for companies watching these trends.
UK Crypto Ownership Climbs to 24%
A recent report from Gemini reveals that 24% of UK adults now own some form of cryptocurrency, up from 18% in 2024. This 6% increase is the biggest year-on-year increase among the countries surveyed. In plain terms, that’s about one in four people across the country holding digital coins like Bitcoin or Ethereum.
The report also shows that the UK is now ahead of the US and France in terms of crypto growth. This isn’t a minor detail, it’s a clear sign that people here are ready to move beyond traditional ways of investing and saving. For businesses, it’s a signal that crypto could soon be more than a niche payment option, it might become part of the everyday toolkit for reaching customers.
One area where this is already happening is the global online casino sector. Many independent casinos not on GamStop UK have adopted crypto as a key part of their payment options. These sites, which operate outside of traditional UKGC rules, accept cryptocurrencies like Bitcoin and Ethereum, offering faster transactions, enhanced security, and more privacy for players. It’s a sign of how quickly crypto is becoming mainstream in industries that rely on fast, secure payments and how these businesses are using crypto to give customers more choices.
UK Leads Global Crypto Adoption Growth
The UK’s rise in crypto ownership isn’t just big, it’s the fastest globally in 2025. While other countries have seen steady growth, the UK’s numbers are jumping more quickly. This kind of growth positions the country as one of the key markets for digital assets.
For UK businesses, it’s a sign that crypto is no longer just something to watch, it’s here, and it’s growing. Companies that already accept crypto payments, especially in sectors like e-commerce and entertainment, are likely to find themselves ahead of the curve. Those that don’t might need to think about how to adapt before they’re left behind.
Younger Generations Drive Adoption
One of the biggest shifts is who’s driving this growth. Globally, about half of Millennials and Gen Z respondents said they own or have owned crypto. In the UK, this generational trend is even stronger. These are people who grew up with technology and see digital assets as a normal part of financial life.
For businesses, this matters. Younger consumers are not just more comfortable with crypto, they expect faster, more flexible ways to pay and invest. Companies that can meet those expectations, through crypto payments or loyalty programs, for example, will have an edge. It’s not just about being trendy; it’s about staying in tune with the next wave of customers.
Memecoins as an Entry Point for UK Investors
Another interesting finding is the role of memecoins, those lighthearted coins that started as jokes but have become real investments. In the UK, 28% of people who own both memecoins and more traditional cryptocurrencies said they bought memecoins first.
This shows that for many people, crypto starts with something playful. Once they get comfortable, they move on to more established coins. For businesses, this trend could open up new marketing angles. It also suggests that customers might not always start with Bitcoin, they’re just as likely to try smaller, attention-grabbing coins first.
UK Cryptocurrency Market Projected to Grow at 6.94% CAGR
The UK’s crypto market isn’t just growing fast now, it’s expected to keep expanding in the years ahead. Market analysts predict a compound annual growth rate of 6.94% from 2025 to 2033. That’s driven by the rise of decentralised finance (DeFi), more widespread blockchain use, and better technology.
For businesses, this steady growth means crypto isn’t just a passing trend. It’s a long-term part of the financial picture. Companies that invest time now to understand how it fits their industry could see big returns in the future.
Regulatory Developments Aim to Enhance Consumer Protection
The UK government has been moving quickly to set clear rules for crypto. In April 2025, a draft statutory instrument was published that lays out plans to regulate crypto exchanges and related services. This draft is set to be finalised later in the year, after public consultation.
For businesses, this is good news. Clearer rules make it easier to know what’s legal and what’s not. It also gives customers more confidence in using crypto for payments or savings. The move to regulate doesn’t kill innovation, it can actually help the sector grow by making it feel safer and more predictable.
Political Interest in Cryptocurrency Grows
Cryptocurrency isn’t just a financial story, it’s also political. Reform UK, led by Nigel Farage, has said it plans to integrate crypto more deeply into the country’s financial system. That includes accepting political donations in crypto and pushing for a “Cryptocurrency and Digital Finance Bill.”
The bill’s proposals are bold: cutting capital gains tax on crypto from 24% to 10% and creating a national bitcoin reserve within the Bank of England. It’s not certain if these plans will go ahead, but they show how digital assets are becoming a political talking point. For businesses, this could mean bigger debates, and more opportunities, around how crypto fits into the UK’s future.
A Snapshot of Change
The UK’s rapid crypto adoption in 2025 isn’t a fad, or something that’s trendy. It’s a sign of how much financial habits are changing, and how businesses need to keep up. From the surge in ownership numbers to the push for regulation and political backing, crypto is weaving itself into the country’s economy.
These figures don’t just show how many people own digital coins. They’re clues about how people want to pay, save, and even donate. For UK businesses, the real challenge now is to watch these shifts closely, and be ready to act as crypto keeps growing.