"Inflation and Devaluation Drive Crypto's Rise as Global Wealth Shield"

MEXC’s Q1–Q2 2025 global user survey reveals a significant shift in crypto adoption, with 46% of users now viewing digital assets as a hedge against inflation, up from 29% in the previous quarter. The surge underscores growing macroeconomic pressures, including persistent inflation and currency devaluation, which are driving investors to seek alternative stores of value. Regional disparities highlight the uneven impact of these trends, with East Asia and the Middle East leading the charge. East Asia saw the most dramatic increase, from 23% to 52%, while the Middle East nearly doubled its adoption rate to 45%. These regions, marked by economic instability, are accelerating crypto’s role as a wealth-preserving toolMEXC Survey: 46% of Global Users Now Use Crypto as Inflation Hedge, Up From 29^[1].

The survey also identifies distinct regional strategies in crypto portfolio management. Latin America, for instance, has emerged as a hub for community-driven adoption, with memecoin ownership rising to 34% and 63% of new users prioritizing passive income. In contrast, South Asia dominates trading activity, with spot trading climbing to 52% and financial independence cited as the primary motivation for 53% of users. Futures trading in South Asia (46%) outpaces the global average (29%), reflecting a risk-seeking retail investor base. Meanwhile, Europe’s adoption remains closer to global norms, with less pronounced shifts in portfolio behaviorInflation Drives 46% of Global Investors to View Crypto as Hedge^[2].

Public chain tokens like Bitcoin and Ethereum remain the backbone of crypto portfolios, held by over 65% of global users. Confidence in blockchain infrastructure is strongest in Latin America (74%) and Southeast Asia (70%), where long-term value perception is entrenched. Stablecoin holdings, steady at ~50% globally, indicate a balance between risk mitigation and yield-seeking strategies. However, futures trading behaviors diverge sharply: South Asia and Southeast Asia outperform the global average, while Latin America’s focus on lower-risk approaches has reduced futures participation to 19%Inflation Hedge Adoption in Crypto Jumps from 29% to 46% in 2025^[3].

Wealth distribution is also shifting, with high-net-worth wallets ($20k+) declining in East Asia from 39% to 33%, attributed to regulatory pressures and profit-taking. Conversely, mid-tier portfolios ($5k–$20k) are expanding globally, signaling broader participation and a more distributed ownership model. MEXC projects that this trend will continue, with wealth protection becoming the dominant entry point for new users by Q3 2025 if macroeconomic pressures persistMEXC Survey: 46% of Global Users Now Use Crypto as^[4].

Looking ahead, the survey highlights a transition from speculative trading to structured strategies. Futures and margin trading, already rising in South Asia and Southeast Asia, are expected to expand further as the bull market matures. Portfolio diversification is also accelerating, with retail interest in memecoins and AI-linked tokens driving short-term inflows. However, public chain tokens are likely to remain core holdings, balancing hype cycles with infrastructure confidence. MEXC’s COO, Tracy Jin, emphasized the need for regionally tailored solutions, noting that “crypto adoption is evolving in different ways and paces across the world”MEXC Survey: 46% of Global Users Now Use Crypto as Inflation …^[5].

The findings align with broader economic trends, as investors increasingly view crypto not just as speculative assets but as tools to combat inflation and currency erosion. With macroeconomic uncertainty likely to persist, the role of digital assets in wealth preservation is poised to grow, reshaping global financial behavior.