A new survey from crypto exchange MEXC illustrates that the motivations and behaviors of digital asset users are diverging sharply across different parts of the world, heavily influenced by local economic conditions and cultural trends.
The Q1–Q2 2025 report, which gathered data from the platform’s global user base, indicates that cryptocurrency is increasingly being utilized as a financial safeguard. Nearly half of all respondents (46%) now cite its use as a hedge against inflation, a significant increase from 29% at the beginning of the year. This trend was most pronounced in East Asia and the Middle East, where concerns over currency weakness and macroeconomic instability appear to be accelerating adoption.
Regional Motivations Diverge
The data reveals stark regional contrasts in how and why people engage with digital assets.
In Latin America, the market is largely retail-driven and community-oriented. The survey found that ownership of memecoins climbed to 34%, representing the highest global growth for that asset class. A majority of new users in the region (63%) reported that earning passive income was their primary motivation for entering the crypto space.
Conversely, South Asia has emerged as a hub for active trading. Spot trading activity in the region surged to 52%, significantly above the global average. For 53% of users there, achieving financial independence was the key driver for participation, highlighting a focus on strategic wealth building, particularly among a younger, mobile-first demographic.
Portfolio Composition and Shifting Wealth
Despite the rise of niche assets, like memecoins, public chain tokens remain the foundational component of crypto portfolios globally, held by over 65% of users. Stablecoin ownership held steady at approximately 50% worldwide, suggesting a consistent desire for stability amidst market exploration.
Wealth distribution among crypto holders also appears to be shifting. The proportion of high-net-worth wallets — holding over $20,000 in assets — declined in East Asia, falling from 39% to 33%. This drop coincides with a simultaneous expansion of mid-tier wallets — $5,000 to $20,000 — globally, signaling a broader and more evenly distributed participant base.
The survey results suggest that current economic pressures will likely continue to fuel adoption driven by wealth preservation. The report also anticipates a potential maturation in user behavior, with a move away from pure speculation toward more structured trading and yield-seeking strategies as markets evolve.
Europe’s Crypto Landscape Shifts As Well
Meanwhile, regulation and infrastructure also continue to reshape Europe’s crypto market. In Germany, BitGo has gained an extended MiCA license from BaFin. The new approval allows the company to combine trading with custody and settlement services. At the same time, VS Capital has expanded its Centroid integration. The upgrade delivered tighter spreads and deeper liquidity for institutional clients.
eToro has confirmed a shift for German users: By late October, its Cyprus entity will take over, replacing a local partner. In parallel, French regulators warned they might block firms licensed in other EU states. This highlights early cracks in MiCA’s promise of a seamless single market.
Earlier this month, Kraken announced the acquisition of prop trading firm Breakout. The deal adds an evaluation-based funding model to Kraken Pro. It also shows how crypto exchanges and proprietary trading are moving closer together.
Disclaimer: The content presented herein is for informational purposes only. While efforts have been made to ensure the accuracy of the information, no guarantees are made regarding its completeness, reliability or suitability for any particular purpose. Before making any financial decisions, we strongly advise seeking guidance from a qualified professional.