The crypto industry is at a turning point in 2025, with global policy and regulatory advancements paving the way for a future where digital assets are fully integrated into the financial system.
At this critical juncture, understanding the attitudes of Gen Z is key in building inclusive, innovative crypto products for decades to come. Widely regarded as the most tech-savvy and forward-thinking generation, they will play a pivotal role in shaping the adoption, regulation, and long-term success of crypto.
Today, the
Gemini team is sharing new insights from their 2024
State of Crypto Report, examining the factors driving crypto adoption for the youngest generation of investors.
Survey Overview
The report was conducted between May and July 2024 by Data Driven Consulting Group, surveying 6,000 adults (crypto owners and non-owners) across the US, UK, France, Singapore, and Turkey.* It highlights that Gen Z adults (aged 18-29) stand out as the generation most engaged with and optimistic about this new financial frontier.
High Crypto Ownership Rates
When it comes to crypto ownership, Gen Z is leading the pack. Globally, more than half (51%) of Gen Z respondents reported that they currently own cryptocurrency or have owned it in the past, significantly higher than the 35% reported by the general population. In the US, over half of Gen Z respondents owned or had owned cryptocurrency (51%), compared to 49% of Millennials (people born 1981-1996) and 29% of Gen X (people born 1965-1980). This trend holds true across countries:
- UK: 53% of Gen Z vs. 32% of the general population.
- Singapore: 50% of Gen Z vs. 42% of the general population.
- France: 47% of Gen Z vs. 31% of the general population.
While older generations show notable engagement, Gen Z's ownership rate signals a deeper integration of digital assets into their investment portfolios, which is likely to continue amid the current bull market. In the US, one in three (33%) Gen Z respondents said they would be comfortable allocating at least 5% of their portfolio to cryptocurrency, compared to 21% of the general US population.
Gen Z Is Optimistic About Regulation
When asked about the need for increased government regulation of the crypto industry, 31% of Gen Z globally said they strongly agree, compared to 46% of the general population.
While established regulatory frameworks are still being rolled out, this suggests that Gen Z has a more optimistic view of the industry’s efforts to govern crypto. As the generation who will shape the future of crypto regulation, this trend is a positive signal for the space.
Pursuing Profit Through Crypto Investing
Globally, nearly half of Gen Z (48%) respondents reported investing in cryptocurrency as a means of generating income, compared to 41% of the general population. Gen Z is also particularly concerned about inflation, using crypto as a way to combat the rising cost of goods and services globally. In the UK, more than two in five (42%) of Gen Z crypto owners said they use crypto as a hedge against inflation compared to nearly one in three (32%) across all crypto owners in the UK.
A similar trend was noted in France, where 39% of Gen Z owners said that they used cryptocurrency as a means of generating profit, compared to 30% of France’s general population.
Growing Interest in ETFs
With the recent rise of spot bitcoin ETFs in the US, ETFs are becoming an increasingly appealing method of crypto investment for younger investors.
Globally, 48% of Gen Z respondents said they were more likely to purchase crypto due to its availability through ETFs, allowing them access to the asset class without needing to hold the underlying asset. When compared to the 37% of respondents globally across all age groups, Gen Z’s enthusiasm for ETFs is made clear.
The Bottom Line
Gen Z’s relationship with cryptocurrency is a testament to their openness to digital innovation and alternative financial systems. Their high levels of ownership, interest in ETFs and willingness to allocate a large portion of their investments into crypto, are just some of the characteristics which likely inspire the cohort to embrace cryptocurrencies.
As the generation continues to mature and crypto becomes increasingly mainstream, Gen Z’s influence on the crypto landscape, and the broader financial ecosystem, will only grow. Financial institutions, crypto platforms, and policymakers should take note of these trends to better prepare for the evolving financial landscape, and the increasingly digital practices which Gen Z seems ready to champion.
* Unless otherwise noted, findings cited as global in the report refer to average 2024 data across the United States, United Kingdom, France, and Singapore.
