German Businesses Split on Crypto Payments Future 48% See Widespread Adoption in Next Decade

German businesses are divided on the future of cryptocurrency as a payment method, according to a comprehensive study involving hundreds of companies registered in the Bundesrepublik. While nearly half of the surveyed organizations anticipate that crypto payments will become widespread within the next decade, a significant majority remain cautious about adopting decentralized digital money for their goods and services.

The study, conducted by the industry organization Bitkom, reveals that only a small fraction of German companies currently accept or use cryptocurrencies like Bitcoin (BTC). However, a growing number of firms are considering the potential of crypto payments in the coming years. The survey, which included 602 entities with at least 20 employees, was carried out between early March and mid-April this year.

According to the findings, 48% of respondents believe that crypto payments will be common in the next decade. However, only 2% of companies are currently using them, and a mere 6% are open to the idea. The primary reasons for the skepticism include high price volatility, risks of fraud, legal uncertainty, and a lack of knowledge about cryptocurrencies. A sizable majority (86%) of the companies do not plan to start accepting cryptocurrencies in the near future.

Despite the overall cautious stance, the study found that 12% of large companies, those with at least 500 employees, are considering digital assets as a payment method. Frederic Meyer, a blockchain consultant working for Bitkom, noted that there is growing interest in blockchain and cryptocurrencies, particularly in the financial sector, where concrete applications are making noticeable progress.

The future of cryptocurrencies and related businesses in Europe will be significantly influenced by the implementation of the EU’s new Markets in Crypto Assets (MiCA) law. This unified regulation aims to standardize rules for digital asset activities, allowing businesses to operate across the 27-member bloc with a single license. Major crypto firms have already applied or acquired licenses in EU member states, with one of the largest cryptocurrency exchanges, OKX, launching fully regulated trading platforms in Germany and neighboring Poland after obtaining MiCA authorization.

The new regulations, which cover the issuance, custody, trading, and disclosure of crypto assets, have also presented challenges for market participants. Europe’s top Bitcoin ATM operator, Austria-based Kurant, recently halted services in Germany to prepare for the MiCA requirements. Authorities in Berlin have maintained a generally positive regulatory approach regarding crypto, including offering a tax exemption for investors who hold cryptocurrencies for more than a year.

In April, the parties forming the new federal government led by Chancellor Friedrich Merz dropped a proposal to raise the tax on crypto investments by removing the one-year holding period from their coalition agreement ahead of taking office in May 2025. Bitkom’s Frederic Meyer suggested that Germany’s newly established Digital Ministry should appoint staff to focus specifically on the blockchain sector and even set up a dedicated department to fully realize the technology’s potential.