Global Retail Crypto Transactions Surge 125% Amid Regulatory Clarity

Quick Breakdown 

• Global retail crypto transactions surged 125% in both 2024 and 2025, showing sustained growth.

• Regulatory clarity in the US and Pakistan has fueled adoption and new market participation.
• Most activity is linked to payments, remittances, and using crypto to preserve value.

Global retail cryptocurrency activity has surged dramatically, with transactions growing over 125% for the second consecutive year, according to TRM Labs’ latest Crypto Adoption and Stablecoin Usage Report. The trend highlights how regulatory clarity and structural support are fueling mainstream adoption, particularly among individual users.

Retail users drive practical crypto use

The report shows that most of the growth is tied to everyday applications such as payments, remittances, and value preservation in volatile economies. TRM Labs noted that individual users are increasingly shaping the industry’s evolution, reflecting a maturing market where structured service providers and institutional players are also beginning to influence transaction patterns.

In the United States, the growth that began in 2023 and extended into 2024 has accelerated, thanks to political support, clear regulations, and market accessibility. “The US market’s two consecutive years of double-digit expansion reflect not just enthusiasm, but the compounding effect of regulatory clarity and political commitment,” the report said.

Regulatory boosts propel adoption in emerging markets

Pakistan’s crypto ecosystem is another standout, with grassroots adoption soaring under supportive legislation. The country’s government has launched the Pakistan Crypto Council and outlined plans for a dedicated crypto regulator, helping drive user adoption. Statista projects Pakistan will have 28 million crypto users by 2026, out of a population of 250 million.

TRM Labs highlighted that while some regions grow thanks to regulatory clarity and institutional access, other jurisdictions have seen adoption rise even under restrictions or bans. A consistent trend is emerging globally: cryptocurrencies, particularly stablecoins, are becoming a more integral part of financial activity, signaling a move toward broader mainstream acceptance.

The report follows TRM’s T3 Financial Crime Unit, which since September 2024 has blocked over $250 million in illicit assets. Binance has now joined the alliance, further expanding its reach against money laundering and terror financing. To broaden its scope, the partners have introduced “T3+,” a program inviting exchanges, financial institutions.