Bitcoin News Today: 37% of Crypto Users Cite Payments and AI as Key 2025 Adoption Drivers

A survey conducted by Reown in collaboration with YouGov reveals that cryptocurrency adoption in 2025 is being driven by two key factors: digital payments and artificial intelligence. The study, which surveyed over 1,000 active crypto users in the United States and the United Kingdom, found that 37% of respondents identified these two areas as critical to mainstream adoption. Crypto payments accounted for 34% of active engagement year-over-year, outpacing traditional DeFi activities like staking but still trailing trading [1]. Reown CEO Jess Houlgrave emphasized that payments and AI are complementary solutions addressing the same core challenge—making crypto intuitive, trusted, and useful. “Payments bring real-world demand. AI improves the experience,” Houlgrave stated, adding that the two innovations together “will no longer just be a crypto demo” but instead become foundational infrastructure for applications like remittances and gig economy payouts [1].

The survey highlights a growing shift in user priorities. While trading remains the most “enjoyed” onchain activity (36%), payments are now the second-most favored (10%), with 14% of participants expressing excitement about its future potential. This aligns with Houlgrave’s observation that “onchain payments are no longer an edge case,” citing examples like stablecoin-powered embedded finance and cross-border remittances. She noted that blockchain’s original vision—global, borderless, trustless transactions—is now gaining practical traction as tools mature [1].

Ownership data further underscores evolving trends. Stablecoins saw a surge in adoption, with 38% of respondents owning them, surpassing Solana’s 37% ownership rate. Among younger demographics, 51% of 18–34-year-olds hold stablecoins, compared to significantly lower rates among older users. Reown attributed this to growing demand for multichain interoperability, enabling users to transact directly from wallets or exchanges without migration [1]. The report also noted 63% Bitcoin ownership and 48% Ether ownership, reflecting Bitcoin’s enduring dominance as a store of value.

Industry experts caution that adoption trajectories depend on regulatory clarity and systemic trust. For instance, the U.S. GENIUS Act, which established a framework for payment stablecoins, has spurred discussions about their role in bridging traditional and decentralized finance [2]. However, challenges persist, including the need for interoperability standards and robust governance models. In Asia, stablecoin growth has been tempered by market stability concerns, with 49% of stakeholders citing expansion as a key driver but also highlighting risks tied to volatility and compliance [3].

The broader crypto ecosystem is also influenced by macroeconomic and technological shifts. Bitcoin’s price exceeding 119,000 USDT as of July 22, 2025, reflects sustained investor confidence amid economic uncertainties [4]. Meanwhile, AI-driven improvements in transaction efficiency, fraud detection, and personalized user experiences are accelerating mainstream adoption. Analysts suggest that 2025 could mark a tipping point for crypto to transition from niche innovation to everyday utility, provided regulatory and technical hurdles are addressed collaboratively by developers, institutions, and policymakers [4].

Source:

[1] [Crypto Adoption in 2025 Spurred by Payments, AI](https://coinmarketcap.com/community/articles/6880cfe69a145369844a9d66/)

[2] [5 Things to Know as the GENIUS Act Becomes Law](https://www.cbs42.com/news/5-things-to-know-as-the-genius-act-becomes-law/)

[3] [Stablecoins—Asia's Race and Hong Kong's Ambition Post Genius Act](https://medium.com/@oax-foundation/part-three-stablecoins-asias-race-and-hong-kong-s-ambition-post-genius-act-591de93a76f8)

[4] [DevvStream Shifts Focus to BTC and SOL Treasury](https://m.economictimes.com/crypto-news-today-live-22-jul-2025/liveblog/122821149.cms)