Op-ed by Nadeem Ladki, Global Head of Bitpanda Technology Solutions

While it’s officially been more than 15 years since cryptocurrency first emerged as a concept, this past year has arguably been the most important as it relates to the market’s overall progress. Crypto has become more mainstream than ever with 562 million people worldwide owning some form of it (a 33% increase from 2023) – approximately 6.8% of the world population – as of 2024.

Furthermore, banks are also following suit, and especially so in the region. Institutions like Abu Dhabi Commercial Bank (ADCB) and Qatar National Bank (QNB) have been actively exploring blockchain solutions, while other entities such as Standard Chartered Bank and RAK Bank have teamed up with crypto platforms to launch their own offerings and join the increasingly crowded crypto party.

If you’re still not convinced by the power of crypto as we head into 2025, I would be remiss not to mention that Elon Musk has ensured DOGE doesn’t only refer to the beloved meme coin anymore but now also the Department of Government Efficiency in the United States. With the strength of crypto growing significantly over the last year, here are some milestones to remember as we look forward to the year ahead.

Is Bitcoin (BTC) the Future?

If the present is any indication, the short answer is yes. While BTC has cooled down slightly since surging more than 140% this year to ascend past the $100,000 mark in early December, it remains a testament to the growing confidence in decentralized financial systems.

However, it’s not the only coin to keep an eye on, as there were several coins that performed well in 2024 including XRP, HBAR, and Pepe to name a few – all of which saw increases in value ranging from 162% to an eye-popping 1,710%.

As the sector evolves further in 2025, the patterns we see with the most sought-after coins will change as well, and seeking guidance from established platforms and stakeholders within the crypto industry will help existing and potential investors make informed investment decisions.

Crypto Booms Globally

As mentioned above, individual investors and banking institutions are displaying an uptick in interest in cryptocurrency, and looking ahead, there seems to be no slowdown in sight. On the heels of BTC soaring to new heights in December, technical analysis and expert insights within the crypto space support a bullish outlook for BTC, with price targets exceeding as much as $200K in the next 12 months.

Recent rumors suggest that the UAE might be one of the world’s largest national holders of Bitcoin, with $40bn BTC under management. This is a major indicator of the UAE’s belief in crypto and is just one sign of the wider region’s passion for digital assets.

As it stands, Asia has the highest percentage of crypto owners at 326.8 million people, up 21.8% from 268.2 million people in 2023. However, South America saw the largest increase in adoption; rising 116.5% from 25.5 million people in 2023 to 55.2 million people this year. In 2025, the potential of geographies such as Europe and the Middle East shouldn’t be overlooked.

Notable Regions to Monitor

The Markets in Crypto-Assets (MiCA) Regulation for the European Union (EU) is set to fully take effect on December 30, introducing stricter requirements for crypto-asset service providers (CASPs) including licensing, market abuse prevention, and anti-money laundering controls. This will undeniably foster growth by attracting more institutional participation and ensuring a more secure and transparent market environment.

In the Middle East, the region has become one of the fastest-growing crypto markets worldwide, accounting for 7% of global trading volume. Dubai has particularly stood out among the region by implementing various reforms including the Dubai Financial Services Authority (DFSA) amending its Crypto Token regime to refine the regulatory environment for Crypto Tokens in the Dubai International Financial Centre (DIFC) and stricter rules around marketing to enhance transparency, among other modifications.

This is a major reason we chose the UAE for our first office outside Europe. The country’s forward-thinking regulatory environment has enabled us to secure in-principle approval from VARA, allowing us to contribute to the ongoing crypto renaissance.

What to Expect in 2025

All in all, remarkable strides have been seen across the crypto industry to solidify it as a critical player in the global financial landscape moving forward. Advancements in blockchain technology are addressing scalability and sustainability concerns to make the technology more efficient and eco-friendlier, while Web3 applications are seeing mainstream adoption to achieve a more decentralized internet.

Looking ahead to 2025, the crypto sector is poised for even greater advancements. Increased institutional participation will introduce a broader range of services, while the growing prevalence of asset tokenization will unlock new investment opportunities in sectors like real estate and commodities. The expansion of decentralized finance (DeFi) platforms will further redefine traditional financial services, and the integration of artificial intelligence will optimize trading strategies and enhance security.

With these developments on the horizon, the crypto industry is set to reshape the future of finance – and it might be time to invest in BTC if you haven’t already.

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Nadeem Ladki is Global Head of Bitpanda Technology Solutions

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