Cryptocurrencies have transitioned from a niche asset favored by tech enthusiasts to an essential component of the financial landscape, reshaping how individuals and businesses perceive, utilize, and interact with money. In Latin America, 57.7 million people now own some form of digital currency, representing an adoption rate of 12.1% at the beginning of 2025.
This marks a significant expansion in the region, as digital currencies continue to offer new opportunities for financial inclusion, cross-border transactions, and investment diversification. The rapid growth of cryptocurrency ownership raises key questions for anyone interested in understanding the financial evolution in Latin America:
What factors are driving the increasing adoption of digital currencies in the region?
How are people utilizing cryptocurrencies in their daily financial activities?
In what ways can digital currencies enhance traditional financial systems or address payment limitations?
How are regulatory frameworks shaping innovation, market stability, and economic integration?
What challenges do digital currency payments still face, and how can they be effectively overcome?
These questions are crucial as Latin America emerges as one of the most dynamic regions for cryptocurrency adoption. This report provides a comprehensive analysis of the current state of cryptocurrency ownership in Latin America, exploring the implications for commerce, financial inclusion, and economic development.
A well-defined regulatory environment and financial education will be essential to strengthening the integration between digital assets and traditional financial systems. As the adoption of digital currencies continues to rise, understanding their impact and potential will be key to navigating the evolving financial landscape in Latin America.
In Latin America, 57.7 million people now own some form of crypto assets. Argentina leads the region with an 18.2% ownership rate, followed by Brazil at 16.7% and El Salvador at 14.2%.
92% of Millennials see cryptocurrencies as a viable long-term savings option
Cryptocurrency Demographics in Latin America 2025: Who is Driving the Market?
Cryptocurrency ownership in Latin America continues to evolve, with Millennials (18-35 years old) emerging as the dominant age group in the market. On average, 18.3% of Millennials in the region own cryptocurrencies, significantly surpassing other generations. Generation X (36-49 years old) follows with 11.8%, while Baby Boomers (50-65 years old) stand at 9.1%. The lowest adoption rates are observed among Seniors (66-80 years old), with only 4.2% reporting ownership. Across all age groups, the regional cryptocurrency ownership average is 12.1%.
Country-specific adoption rates highlight notable disparities. Argentina leads the region with an 18.2% ownership rate, followed by Brazil at 16.7% and El Salvador at 14.2%. Conversely, the lowest adoption rates are found in the Dominican Republic (3.7%), Honduras (3.6%), and Bolivia (3.5%). These figures suggest that economic instability and inflation concerns may be influencing crypto adoption, particularly in countries with high inflation rates.
Millennials are not only the most active crypto holders but also the most optimistic about the future of digital assets. When asked about the likelihood of purchasing cryptocurrencies in the next 12 months, 43% of Millennials responded positively, compared to a Latin American average of 28.5%. Furthermore, 92% of Millennials see cryptocurrencies as a viable long-term savings option, reflecting growing confidence in digital assets as an alternative to traditional financial instruments.
A significant proportion of Latin Americans are open to the idea of using cryptocurrencies for payments, with 59.4% of respondents strongly agreeing with the concept. However, security concerns remain a major barrier to wider adoption. Only 32% of respondents consider cryptocurrency transactions secure, highlighting the need for greater consumer education and regulatory improvements to enhance trust in the market.
Preference for cryptocurrencies over traditional fiat currencies varies widely across the region. While 47% of respondents would rather hold crypto than their local currency, the preference is exceptionally high in Venezuela, where 93.8% favor crypto over the bolivar. Meanwhile, El Salvador, despite being one of the first countries to adopt Bitcoin as legal tender, shows the lowest preference for crypto over national currency at 34.5%. Additionally, 35.3% of Millennials prefer crypto over the US dollar or euro, while 80% of them even favor digital assets over gold or silver.
Despite strong interest in crypto, skepticism remains. A significant 35% of Latin Americans still believe that cryptocurrencies are a bubble, reflecting ongoing uncertainty and a lack of widespread financial literacy regarding digital assets. When it comes to receiving cryptocurrencies as a gift, 85% of Gen X respondents indicated they would hold onto them rather than convert them into traditional currencies, suggesting confidence in long-term appreciation.
While Latin America shows strong enthusiasm for cryptocurrencies, the industry must address security concerns to facilitate mass adoption. Education and transparent information for consumers are essential to building trust in the market and ensuring that cryptocurrencies become a viable financial alternative for the broader population.