The Future Unveiled: Crypto Adoption in 2025
A recent study conducted by Reown, in collaboration with YouGov, paints a fascinating picture of the crypto landscape in 2025. The report, surveying over a thousand active crypto users across the US and UK, highlights the growing influence of two key drivers of adoption: payments and artificial intelligence. This synergy suggests a maturing ecosystem focused on real-world utility and enhanced user experience.
Payments: The Bridge to Real-World Demand
The report underscores the significant rise of crypto payments, with 34% of respondents actively engaging in this activity. This outpaces traditional DeFi applications like staking and farming, showcasing crypto’s evolving role beyond speculative trading. Furthermore, 27% of participants believe payments will become the dominant on-chain experience in the coming years. This signals a growing confidence in crypto’s ability to function as a viable financial tool for everyday transactions. This is a trend that is being driven by real-world applications, such as remittances and gig economy payouts, making crypto payments much more than just a niche application.
AI: Enhancing Usability and Trust
Artificial intelligence emerges as a crucial complement to the payments revolution. AI is poised to streamline user experiences, improve security, and increase developer productivity. By personalizing interfaces, enhancing fraud detection, and automating tasks, AI is expected to accelerate onboarding and simplify complex processes within the crypto space. As Jess Houlgrave, Reown CEO, pointed out, AI and payments are “distinct but complementary,” working together to make crypto more useful, trusted, and intuitive.
Trading Still Reigns, but Payments are Gaining Ground
While trading remains the most popular on-chain activity, payments are steadily gaining traction. The study reveals that 10% of respondents now consider payments as their second-most enjoyed activity, with 14% expressing excitement about its future potential. This shift indicates that crypto is moving beyond simply being a speculative asset and is transforming into a practical tool for financial transactions.
Stablecoins Surge and Asset Ownership Dynamics
The survey also reveals shifts in asset ownership. Bitcoin and Ether still dominate, with 63% and 48% ownership, respectively. However, the rise of stablecoins is notable, with 38% of respondents holding them. This surpasses Solana (SOL) ownership at 37%, reflecting the growing demand for stable and easily accessible digital assets. The study also highlights that 51% of 18 to 34-year-olds hold stablecoins, illustrating the importance of stablecoins among the younger demographic.
Looking Ahead
The convergence of payments and AI, alongside the growing prominence of stablecoins, suggests a future where crypto seamlessly integrates into daily life. This transformation is not just about technological advancement, but also about delivering practical solutions that meet real-world needs. The future is about making crypto accessible, useful, and intuitive for everyone.
