Industry leaders predict mainstream cryptocurrency adoption after the next bull cycle
The cryptocurrency industry is just one growth cycle away from full mainstream adoption, according to industry insiders speaking at the WAIB Summit 2025 in Monaco. Experts believe the next bull market cycle could push global crypto adoption from 659 million users today to over 5 billion within the next 10 years.
Current Adoption and Growth Potential
As of December 2025, research by Crypto.com estimates there are 659 million cryptocurrency holders worldwide. However, Thomas Prévot, head of operations at Crypto.com in France, predicts explosive growth in the coming decade:
“Within 10 years, we’ll reach 5 billion users… We’re about one growth cycle away from full mainstream adoption.”
Prévot emphasized that at 5 billion users, crypto would become as ubiquitous as credit cards, serving as a global payment method and fulfilling the vision of Satoshi Nakamoto, Bitcoin’s creator.
What Will Drive the Next Billion Users?
Experts on the panel agreed that retail speculation and real-world blockchain use cases will be the two primary drivers of mass adoption:
- Retail Price Speculation: According to Roy van Krimpen, general manager for Western Europe at OKX, market speculation could bring millions of new users, similar to the 2021 bull run, when crypto prices skyrocketed.
- Practical Use Cases: Blockchain-based payment systems, decentralized finance (DeFi), and beginner-friendly apps will be crucial for long-term adoption. Chintan Turakhia of Coinbase highlighted the importance of improving usability and security for mainstream users.
Price Predictions and Market Outlook
Popular Bitcoin analyst Willy Woo has suggested that mainstream adoption could push Bitcoin (BTC) to an “ultimate price” of $700,000 per coin, assuming a 3% global portfolio allocation to BTC. If accurate, this would represent a dramatic shift in the global financial system.
However, experts caution that this growth is unlikely before the industry experiences another market down cycle, followed by the next bull run, which many expect to start in the coming years.
Disclaimer
This content is for informational purposes only and does not constitute financial, investment, or legal advice. Cryptocurrency trading involves risk and may result in financial loss.