Mastercard Unveils Global Insights on Cryptocurrency Trends and Adoption 

•      58% of global consumers are either holding cryptocurrency (21%) or crypto-curious (37%), according to Mastercard’s Global Crypto Adoption Index.
•      The EEMEA region, which includes Azerbaijan, scored 49 on the Global Crypto Adoption Index — above the global average of 35.
•      Younger generations, particularly Millennials and Gen Z, are leading adoption, alongside higher-income users.
•      Consumers increasingly expect crypto to be integrated into existing payment systems and usable for everyday purchases. 
  
  
  

Baku, August 2025 – As the digital asset ecosystem continues to expand, Mastercard has released new findings from its global research on cryptocurrency awareness and adoption. The results highlight not only the growing relevance of crypto in the financial landscape but also the shifting expectations of consumers worldwide.

A cryptocurrency is a type of digital asset built on blockchain technology — a decentralized and secure ledger system that enables peer-to-peer transactions without the need for a central authority. While Bitcoin and Ethereum are the most well-known examples, the broader crypto ecosystem now includes stablecoins, utility tokens, and other digital instruments increasingly used for payments, savings, and innovation across finance.

According to Mastercard’s Global Cryptocurrency Adoption Index, the average adoption score across all surveyed markets is 35 out of 100, with the Eastern Europe, Middle East, and Africa (EEMEA) region reaching a significantly higher score of 49 — demonstrating an especially high level of interest and usage in emerging economies.

The study further reveals that 58% of global consumers are either already engaged with crypto or are considering doing so. Specifically, 21% report that they currently hold some form of cryptocurrency, while 37% identify as crypto-curious — meaning they are exploring or intending to engage with crypto in the near future. This trend is especially pronounced among younger, digitally native generations such as Millennials and Gen Z, as well as among higher-income users, who tend to be more open to emerging financial technologies.

Beyond ownership, consumers increasingly expect digital assets to function in everyday financial interactions — not just as speculative investments. There is growing demand for crypto to be interoperable with traditional finance, integrated into existing payment systems, and usable for real-world purchases. The findings suggest that the perception of cryptocurrency is evolving rapidly, shifting from novelty to utility.

Through partnerships with fintechs, digital wallet providers, and central banks, Mastercard is supporting secure, regulated, and inclusive pathways for innovation — aligning with both consumer demand and institutional oversight.

Azerbaijan’s Growing Interest in Digital Assets

Azerbaijan is part of a wider regional trend where crypto awareness and engagement are accelerating. Mastercard sees significant potential in supporting local ecosystems in cooperation with the roadmap and regulations of local regulators. By offering educational content, technological expertise, and integration tools, Mastercard aims to help enable responsible adoption across the country’s financial and digital sectors. 

Explore the Global Crypto Adoption Index and more insights from the Mastercard Research Center via the Mastercard Business Intelligence Platform Mastercard Business Intelligence - Subscription