FameEX Hot Topics | Crypto Adoption Will Thrive in High-Growth Markets

The U.S. is experiencing a significant crypto boom, with approval of exchange-traded funds (ETFs) paving the way for institutional adoption. Increased liquidity and regulatory clarity under a more crypto-friendly administration have contributed to this growth. Filings with the Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC) referencing blockchain reached an all-time high in February 2025, signaling that the technology is being taken more seriously at the highest levels of government. This momentum is certainly a positive development for the industry.

However, the focus on the U.S. alone may overshadow what is happening in other parts of the world. While the U.S. has been catching up in terms of institutional support and regulatory clarity, some of the most groundbreaking crypto adoption is occurring in markets outside the U.S. These high-growth regions are driving the next phase of Web3 development, and in these areas, people use crypto not as a speculative asset but out of necessity. Communities in countries such as Indonesia, Vietnam, the Philippines, and Nigeria have been building crypto infrastructure through various cycles of boom and bust, positioning themselves to lead the way forward.

According to Chainalysis’s 2024 Global Crypto Adoption Index, 15 out of the top 20 countries are in high-growth regions. These countries are not simply speculative hotspots; crypto has become an integral part of daily life. The adoption here has remained steady and grounded in utility rather than fleeting market trends. In these economies, crypto facilitates remittances, provides a safer store of value amid currency instability, and enables small businesses to transfer funds without friction.

While in the West, crypto is often seen as a high-risk investment, in these high-growth markets, it’s already embedded in everyday life. The adoption in these regions represents true crypto adoption—where the technology is solving real-world problems. As practical usage of crypto rises, builder activity is also following suit, contributing to the rapid growth of the industry.

The 2024 Electric Capital Developer Report reveals that Asia now accounts for 32% of active crypto developers, a sharp increase from just 12% in 2015. Over the same period, the U.S. share dropped from 38% to 19%. This shift is not confined to Asia, as developer activity is also increasing in Africa, South America, and Southeast Asia, while North America and Europe see a decline in relative share. This trend indicates that crypto development is moving to regions where the momentum is strongest, highlighting the importance of global perspectives in understanding the crypto landscape.

Disclaimer: The information provided in this section is for reference only and does not represent any investment advice or the official views of FameEX.