Crypto

Global Crypto Leaders: Top Countries Driving Cryptocurrency Usage in 2024

Published

2 years ago

September 14, 2024

Global Crypto Leaders: Top Countries Driving Cryptocurrency Usage in 2024

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

Capital B Completes Capital Increase and Acquires 44 Additional Bitcoin, Now Holds 2,888 BTC

Published

4 hours ago

March 24, 2026

Press Room

Capital B Completes Capital Increase and Acquires 44 Additional Bitcoin, Now Holds 2,888 BTC

France-based Capital B, also known as The Blockchain Group, announced the completion of an At-the-Market (ATM) capital increase and warrant issuances on March 23, 2026. This financial restructuring involves partnerships with TOBAM and UTXO Management to support the firm’s specialized focus on data intelligence and decentralized technology.

The company successfully acquired 44 bitcoin ( BTC) for $3.12 million (€2.7 million), bringing its total holdings to 2,888 BTC with an acquisition value of $309.34 million (€267.1 million). Key performance metrics reveal a year-to-date BTC yield of 0.72% and a total BTC gain of 20.4 tokens for the Paris-listed entity.

🧭 FAQs

• Where is Capital B headquartered and listed? The company is based in Puteaux, France and listed on the Euronext Growth Paris exchange.

• What is the total bitcoin holding for the group? The group and its Luxembourg subsidiary now hold a total of 2,888 BTC.

• Who participated in the recent capital raises? TOBAM and UTXO Management provided the funding through ATM contracts and share subscription warrants.

• Does this transaction require a local AMF prospectus? This specific financial transaction does not require a prospectus subject to approval by the AMF.

Crypto

Fintech Stock SoFi Technologies Just Proved That the Ultimate Cryptocurrency Has a Clear Use Case | The Motley Fool

Published

16 hours ago

March 23, 2026

Press Room

Fintech Stock SoFi Technologies Just Proved That the Ultimate Cryptocurrency Has a Clear Use Case | The Motley Fool

If a company, particularly one that operates in the otherwise boring and slow-moving financial services industry, has seen its revenue soar 133% in three years, it’s clearly doing something right. That’s the best way to describe SoFi Technologies (SOFI +1.48%). The digital banking superstar ended 2025 with almost 13.7 million customers.

Product innovation has been a key pillar of SoFi’s success, and in recent months, this core competency has been on full display. This fintech stock just proved that the ultimate cryptocurrency has a clear use case.

Image source: Getty Images.

Giving its members another tool to better handle their finances

SoFi tapped Lightspark, a payments start-up founded in 2022 by former Meta Platforms executive David Marcus, to enable cross-border payments for its customers. Lightspark provides the back-end infrastructure, while SoFi Pay users can leverage this exciting capability.

This feature leans on the Bitcoin (BTC +3.99%) Lightning network, a Layer-2 protocol that allows for fast and cheap transactions to occur.

What stands out with this is that SoFi doesn’t necessarily need to be bullish on Bitcoin. The management team simply picked what it thought was the most capable technological solution that could rapidly integrate and scale up. Since it was introduced in August last year, SoFi Pay now facilitates remittances to over 30 countries.

At a high level, the person sending the money and the person receiving the money deal with their own respective local currencies. Underneath the hood, SoFi and Lightspark handle the conversion to and from Bitcoin.

Besides how easy the feature is to use, SoFi could save its customers a lot of money. In 2024, $138 billion of remittances were sent from the U.S. to India, for example. Money-transfer services charge average fees that can be well above 5% of the value being sent.

Today’s Change

(3.99%) $2717.74

Current Price

$70898.00

Key Data Points

Market Cap

$1.4T

Day’s Range

$67564.00 – $71646.00

52wk Range

$60255.56 – $126079.89

Volume

56B

Propelling the top digital asset to its next stage of development

This product introduction shows how innovative SoFi is, as the popular banking platform isn’t afraid to try new things with the top priority being to better serve its members.

Additionally, this move is a clear signal to the rest of the world that Bitcoin has a use case in the finance world. Looking ahead, it will be important to pay attention to any commentary SoFi’s leadership team provides on adoption trends. Other banks might choose to do something similar.

I believe we’re now witnessing the early innings of Bitcoin’s next evolutionary phase to becoming a medium of exchange. It has been a wonderful investment, with a trailing 10-year return of 18,000% (as of March 18). While I expect strong gains to continue, the crypto asset’s ability to transfer value around the globe is impossible to overstate and will be critical for its long-term viability.

Should Bitcoin be leaned on more for its utility value, it provides durable demand. This can support a higher price in the future.

Crypto

The Best Crypto to Buy for Long-Term Investors Right Now | The Motley Fool

Published

1 day ago

March 23, 2026

Press Room

The Best Crypto to Buy for Long-Term Investors Right Now | The Motley Fool

Despite its position as a multitrillion-dollar asset class, the cryptocurrency industry is still trying to prove itself as a viable place to park capital. Volatility remains a challenge. And there is no shortage of critics who still believe these digital assets serve no purpose.

Even after considering these arguments, investors might want to test the waters for the sake of boosting the returns of their portfolios. Here’s the best cryptocurrency that long-term investors should buy.

Image source: Getty Images.

Start with the world’s prime digital asset

According to coinmarketcap.com, there are tens of millions of different cryptocurrencies out there that make up this relatively new asset class. That huge figure can distract investors who are serious about where to allocate their hard-earned savings. In this situation, simplicity is key. Stick to the proven crypto that has developed a dominant position: Bitcoin (BTC 0.57%).

Bitcoin has been around for more than 17 years, ever since its first block was mined in January 2009. This makes it the first cryptocurrency. Its market cap of $1.4 trillion (as of March 18) gives it almost 60% share of the entire industry.

And the performance is phenomenal. In the past 10 years, Bitcoin’s price has skyrocketed 18,000%. It has been one of the best assets that anyone could have owned this century.

You might be wondering what problem Bitcoin solves. It was created to be a solution to the current monetary system, which has its own issues. These center on persistent currency debasement and monumental, ever-increasing amounts of sovereign debt.

Bitcoin’s absolute scarcity, shown by its hard supply cap of 21 million units, is its most compelling feature. It’s also not controlled by a single entity, is completely decentralized, and has never been hacked.

Today’s Change

(-0.57%) $-390.91

Current Price

$68392.00

Key Data Points

Market Cap

$1.4T

Day’s Range

$67564.00 – $68885.00

52wk Range

$60255.56 – $126079.89

Volume

34B

Expect the volatility to continue, but the gains can be massive

Because Bitcoin is an emerging monetary asset, the volatility isn’t going away just yet. Over time, the price swings have gotten less extreme. However, the ups and downs are something long-term investors can’t avoid. This isn’t unique to Bitcoin. Some of the most impressive technology stocks over the past couple of decades, like Nvidia, Amazon, and Netflix, were extremely difficult to hold on to during times of intense volatility.

As was the case with those disruptive businesses, patient investors will be rewarded in this situation. Bitcoin is currently trading 41% below its record price from about five months ago. But it has historically always recovered to reach newer all-time highs. Its fundamentals, particularly around network security, transaction volume, and adoption trends, are all in strong shape.

Investors who can buy Bitcoin and hold for 10 years are setting themselves up for success.