Crypto
Global Crypto Leaders: Top Countries Driving Cryptocurrency Usage in 2024
SPONSORED POST*
Cryptocurrency has moved from niche technology to a global phenomenon, influencing economies, industries, and everyday life. As more people embrace digital currencies, certain countries are emerging as leaders in crypto adoption. These nations aren’t just investing in blockchain technology but are also integrating it into their financial systems, creating regulations, and promoting innovation. If you’re keen to stay updated with these shifts, you can visit a website for latest crypto news and follow the developments happening across the globe.
In this article, we’ll explore the top countries driving cryptocurrency usage and their impact on the global market.
1. United States: The Pioneer of Crypto Innovation
The United States is undoubtedly a global leader when it comes to cryptocurrency. With its robust financial infrastructure and a large number of tech companies, the U.S. has been at the forefront of blockchain development and crypto usage. Major cities like San Francisco, New York, and Miami have turned into crypto hubs, hosting events and conferences that bring together experts, traders, and innovators from around the world.
The U.S. also has a significant portion of the world’s Bitcoin ATMs, making it easy for individuals to buy and sell digital assets. Furthermore, the U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC) plays a vital role in regulating cryptocurrencies, ensuring a safer environment for investors.
However, the regulatory framework in the U.S. is complex, with each state having its own set of rules, making it a challenging landscape for businesses operating in the crypto space.
2. Japan: Embracing Crypto with Open Arms
Japan is another major player in the cryptocurrency world. The country has fully embraced digital currencies, even recognizing Bitcoin as legal tender back in 2017. This early adoption set the stage for Japan to become one of the most crypto-friendly countries in the world. The Japanese government has implemented clear regulations, making it easier for businesses to operate and for consumers to trust the system.
One key reason Japan stands out is its regulatory approach, which focuses on protecting consumers while encouraging innovation. This balanced approach has attracted many crypto exchanges and blockchain startups to set up shop in the country.
Japanese investors are also known for their interest in various cryptocurrencies, making Japan a hotspot for those looking to trade the best crypto coins.
3. South Korea: A Crypto Trading Powerhouse
South Korea has long been a hotbed for cryptocurrency trading. Known for its tech-savvy population and strong internet infrastructure, South Korea quickly embraced digital currencies, and today it is one of the largest markets for Bitcoin and other cryptocurrencies.
What makes South Korea unique is the level of participation from everyday citizens. Many South Koreans are enthusiastic traders, contributing to the high volume of crypto transactions within the country. Despite occasional government crackdowns aimed at regulating the market, the South Korean crypto scene remains one of the most active globally.
In fact, some of the largest crypto exchanges, like Upbit and Bithumb, are based in South Korea, making it a significant player in the global crypto market.
4. Germany: Leading Europe in Blockchain Adoption
Germany is one of the few countries in Europe that has taken significant steps to integrate cryptocurrency into its financial system. In 2019, the country classified cryptocurrencies as financial instruments, giving them a legal framework and allowing businesses to operate more freely. Germany is also home to one of the world’s largest Bitcoin ATMs, and crypto adoption is steadily growing among individuals and businesses alike.
Berlin, in particular, has emerged as a hub for blockchain innovation, attracting startups and tech companies working on various applications of the technology beyond just currency trading. Additionally, the German government is exploring blockchain for use in various sectors, including energy and supply chain management.
Germany’s forward-thinking approach has made it a leader in both the adoption and innovation of cryptocurrency technology.
5. Singapore: A Crypto-Friendly Haven
Singapore has earned its reputation as a global financial hub, and its approach to cryptocurrency is no different. The Monetary Authority of Singapore (MAS) has created a clear regulatory framework that allows both institutional and retail investors to trade cryptocurrencies safely. According to this discussion, It has made Singapore a prime location for crypto startups and blockchain research.
The country has seen a steady increase in the number of crypto exchanges and Initial Coin Offerings (ICOs) being launched. Singapore’s government has also been keen to explore blockchain technology, particularly in areas like digital identity verification and cross-border payments.
With favorable tax laws and an innovative regulatory environment, Singapore continues to attract both crypto enthusiasts and institutional investors, making it one of the most crypto-friendly countries in the world.
6. El Salvador: The First Nation to Adopt Bitcoin as Legal Tender
Perhaps the most surprising entry on this list is El Salvador, which made headlines worldwide in 2021 by becoming the first country to adopt Bitcoin as legal tender. This bold move was spearheaded by the country’s president, Nayib Bukele, as part of an effort to boost financial inclusion and reduce the reliance on traditional banking systems.
While this decision faced some criticism, it also marked a significant moment in the global cryptocurrency narrative. Bitcoin is now used for everyday transactions in El Salvador, from buying groceries to paying for services. This step has sparked interest from other countries considering similar moves.
Despite the challenges, El Salvador’s experiment with Bitcoin has positioned it as a leader in the global crypto space, with many watching to see how this decision impacts its economy in the long run.
7. Switzerland: The Crypto Valley of Europe
Switzerland, known for its strong financial sector, has fully embraced cryptocurrency and blockchain technology. The country is home to “Crypto Valley,” a region in Zug that has become a hub for blockchain startups and innovations. Switzerland’s friendly regulatory environment, combined with its political neutrality and stable economy, makes it an attractive destination for crypto companies.
The Swiss government has been proactive in creating a legal framework that supports the use of cryptocurrencies, making it easier for businesses and individuals to operate in this space. The country has also seen a growing number of crypto exchanges and ICOs, further solidifying its place as a global leader in the crypto industry.
*This article was paid for. Cryptonomist did not write the article or test the platform.
Crypto
Malicious packages for dYdX cryptocurrency exchange empties user wallets
Open source packages published on the npm and PyPI repositories were laced with code that stole wallet credentials from dYdX developers and backend systems and, in some cases, backdoored devices, researchers said.
“Every application using the compromised npm versions is at risk ….” the researchers, from security firm Socket, said Friday. “Direct impact includes complete wallet compromise and irreversible cryptocurrency theft. The attack scope includes all applications depending on the compromised versions and both developers testing with real credentials and production end-users.”
Packages that were infected were:
npm (@dydxprotocol/v4-client-js):
- 3.4.1
- 1.22.1
- 1.15.2
- 1.0.31
PyPI (dydx-v4-client):
Perpetual trading, perpetual targeting
dYdX is a decentralized derivatives exchange that supports hundreds of markets for “perpetual trading,” or the use of cryptocurrency to bet that the value of a derivative future will rise or fall. Socket said dYdX has processed over $1.5 trillion in trading volume over its lifetime, with an average trading volume of $200 million to $540 million and roughly $175 million in open interest. The exchange provides code libraries that allow third-party apps for trading bots, automated strategies, or backend services, all of which handle mnemonics or private keys for signing.
The npm malware embedded a malicious function in the legitimate package. When a seed phrase that underpins wallet security was processed, the function exfiltrated it, along with a fingerprint of the device running the app. The fingerprint allowed the threat actor to correlate stolen credentials to track victims across multiple compromises. The domain receiving the seed was dydx[.]priceoracle[.]site, which mimics the legitimate dYdX service at dydx[.]xyz through typosquatting.
Crypto
Ripple Signals Next Institutional Liquidity Wave as Hyperliquid Joins Prime
Crypto
Bitcoin loses half its value in three months amid crypto crunch
Bitcoin’s price sank to $63,000 on Thursday, its lowest level in more than a year, and half its all-time peak of $126,000, reached in October 2025. A months-long dip in cryptocurrency prices has tanked shares of companies that have increasingly invested in bitcoin, exacerbating broader stock market jitters.
Bitcoin rode a high during Donald Trump’s ascent to the presidency in 2024 and throughout 2025; its price steadily increased as the president made one industry-friendly move after another. Crypto’s largest currency hit $100,000 for the first time in December 2024 and even rose to a record high of $126,210.50 on 6 October, according to Coinbase. But bitcoin’s valuation has dipped over the last few months, falling especially hard in January and the start of February.
Companies that went all in on bitcoin have been hit hard in the recent sell-off. CoinGecko data shows that the global crypto market has lost $2tn in value since early October. Multiple cryptocurrency ventures backed by the Trump family and listed on the stock market saw their values decline in response to bitcoin’s slump.
Bitcoin, which emerged after the 2008 financial crisis as a way to bypass banks and traditional payment methods, is the world’s most valuable cryptocurrency. The second-largest cryptocurrency, ether, has faced losses of more than 30% this year alone, adding insult to injury after it missed out on the boom of 2025.
In addition to financial disaster, the cryptocurrency faces regulatory headwinds. Some Democrats and watchdogs in the US have raised alarms about Trump’s conflicts of interest around cryptocurrencies and a lack of regulation under the current administration. US representative Ro Khanna said on Wednesday that he planned to investigate World Liberty Financial, following reports from the Wall Street Journal that a member of the Emirati royal family backed a $500m investment into the Trump family’s cryptocurrency company. Khanna wrote in a statement that the reported deal “may have contributed to changes to US policy”.
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