Crypto News: India and US Maintain Top Positions in Global Adoption Surge

India sustained its position as the world leader in cryptocurrency adoption for the third consecutive year in 2025, closely followed by the United States, according to reports from Chainalysis and TRM Labs.

The surge reflects a dynamic and evolving global crypto landscape centered on practical use, institutional engagement, and expanding stablecoin transactions.

South Asia emerged as the fastest-growing region globally, with India, Pakistan, and Bangladesh leading the charge amid diverse regulatory environments and growing grassroots participation.

Meanwhile, the US market's growth is fueled by institutional investment and regulatory reforms, notably the approval of spot Bitcoin exchange-traded funds (ETFs) and comprehensive legislative measures.

Growth Powering South Asia and US Markets

India topped all four major categories in the 2025 Chainalysis Global Crypto Adoption Index: retail, institutional, centralized, and decentralized transactions.

This dominance is rooted in its tech-savvy population and a sizable diaspora backing crypto remittances.

Pakistan climbed to third place worldwide, supported by governmental initiatives like forming the Pakistan Crypto Council and plans for a dedicated regulatory authority.

In the US, cryptocurrency transaction volumes surged by roughly 50% in early 2025 compared with 2024, surpassing $1 trillion.

This growth is not solely organic but also driven by enhanced regulatory clarity, including the passage of the GENIUS Act—the first comprehensive stablecoin law—and the rise of regulated products attracting nearly $15 billion in spot Bitcoin ETF inflows during the first half of the year.

President Donald Trump’s administration pledged to position the US as the global crypto capital, complementing legislative and regulatory advancements such as the CLARITY Act and the establishment of a national crypto policy coordinator.

The amplified adoption is reinforced by broader institutional participation. Hedge funds and investment advisers significantly expanded their holdings in spot Ether ETFs.

The US leads notably in fiat-to-crypto purchases, with volume exceeding $4.2 trillion, far outpacing other major markets.

Stablecoins and Regional Shifts in Adoption

Stablecoins play an increasingly central role, accounting for 30% of on-chain crypto transaction volume in 2025 and reaching a record $4 trillion in annual transaction volume between January and July.

The vast majority, over 90%, of fiat-backed stablecoins are pegged to the US dollar, dominated by Tether (USDT) and Circle (USDC).

The stablecoin ecosystem also faces evolving regulatory frameworks globally, with the US, Hong Kong, and the European Union advancing legislation to govern their use.

Despite bans in certain regions, North African countries like Egypt, Morocco, and Tunisia rank within the top 50 for crypto adoption, highlighting resilient grassroots demand that often circumvents formal restrictions via peer-to-peer and over-the-counter networks.

Quotes Reflecting Market Dynamics

“Crypto adoption accelerates where real-world needs persist, whether in inflation-prone economies or where digital payment infrastructure is evolving,” said Chainalysis chief economist Kim Grauer.

She emphasized that utility drives adoption, from remittances to decentralized applications meeting local demands.

A TRM Labs report noted, “Regulatory clarity and institutional access have compounded market growth, creating a compounding effect over multiple years.”

The US market exemplifies this through sustained double-digit expansion amid political and regulatory momentum.