MEXC Survey: 46% of Users Worldwide Use Cryptocurrency as a Hedge Against Inflation (Up from 29% Previously)

Amid persistent inflationary pressures and weakening national currencies, cryptocurrency is increasingly seen as a «safe haven.» The share of users who say crypto is a hedge against inflation rose from 29% to 46% in Q2. In East Asia, the figure jumped from 23% to 52%, and in the Middle East, it nearly doubled from 27% to 45%, highlighting the role of macroeconomic instability in accelerating the adoption of digital assets.

Main conclusions:

1. The share of users using cryptocurrency as a hedge against inflation increased from 29% in Q1 to 46% in Q2; the leaders are East Asia, Southeast Asia, and the Middle East.
2. Latin America is driving «community-adopted» adoption: memecoin ownership has grown to 34%, and 63% of new users cited passive income as a reason for entering the market.
3. South Asia leads the way in trading activity, with spot trading increasing to 52%, with 53% of users citing financial independence as their main motive.
4. Public blockchain tokens remain the backbone of portfolios (65%+ globally).
5. Capital redistribution: The number of large wallets ($20k+) in East Asia has decreased from 39% to 33%, while average positions have increased.

Regional differences

Latin America has become a cultural hub for cryptocurrency. Memcoin ownership has increased from 27% to 34%, the highest growth in the world. 63% of new users cited «passive income» as their main motivation. The market remains focused on retail investors, with profitability and community tokens playing a key role.

South Asia is a global trading powerhouse. Spot trading has grown from 45% to 52%, above the global average, and 53% of users are seeking financial independence. With a young, mobile population and limited access to traditional finance, the region is emerging as the most dynamic retail market.

South Asia also leads other regions in futures trading (46%), while Europe shows more moderate adoption, remaining closer to global averages.

Portfolios and market behavior

Public blockchain tokens remain the backbone of crypto portfolios, held by over 65% of users worldwide. The highest confidence is seen in Latin America (74%) and Southeast Asia (70%), where investors see blockchain infrastructure as a long-term asset.

Stablecoins are holding steady (~50% globally), reflecting a balance between risk mitigation and yield seeking. Futures trading shows mixed behavior, with South Asia (46%) and Southeast Asia (38%) outperforming the global average (29%), while Latin America has fallen to 19%, opting for lower-risk strategies.

Meanwhile, the distribution of capital is changing: the number of large wallets ($20k+) in East Asia has fallen from 39% to 33% (profit-taking and regulatory pressure). At the same time, the share of medium wallets ($5k–$20k) is increasing, signaling a broader and more even participation.

Forecast for the 3rd quarter of 2025.

The survey results point to several key trends shaped by the economy and culture:

1. The rise of cryptocurrency as a hedge against inflation. Amid global macro instability, weak currencies, and inflation in East Asia and the Middle East, capital preservation is becoming a major motive. If pressure persists, «wealth protection» could become the leading reason for entry across all regions.
2. Shift from speculation to structured trading. In the late stages of a bull market, risk appetite is transforming. Futures and margin trading—already popular in South Asia (46%) and Southeast Asia (38%)—will continue to grow, especially in times of heightened volatility.
3. Accelerating portfolio diversification. Retail interest in memecoins and trends like AI tokens will fuel short-term capital inflows, but these categories remain volatile. Public blockchains and platform projects will remain the foundation of portfolios.
4. Polarization by capital level. Large wallets ($20k+) are shrinking in heavily regulated regions (especially East Asia), while medium portfolios are growing globally. This suggests a more even distribution of funds and a strengthening of the role of cryptocurrencies as an accessible financial instrument.

What they say at MEXC

«Cryptocurrency adoption is evolving differently in different parts of the world, and there is no one-size-fits-all approach,» said Tracy Jin, chief operating officer of MEXC.