The flexibility and acceptance of others regarding what may be possible or likely never cease to amaze me; these boundaries seem to be firmly established in the collective consciousness – until they are tested and pushed, revealing a new consensus about what is possible. Consider one example: it is now 2025, and the price of Bitcoin (BTC) reaching $100,000 has become old and ordinary news. What seemed unimaginable to many just a few years ago has become commonplace, even very simple. This is the pattern we have seen throughout the short history of cryptocurrencies: impossible yesterday, expected today, and perhaps even a normal occurrence that doesn't deserve the fuss.
One characteristic of the growing consensus around cryptocurrencies is that surpassing the $100,000 threshold, along with the leaps the industry made in 2024 that made this achievement possible, was a strong and exciting event, so much so that for some it seems the industry has achieved everything and there are no further horizons to reach.
Limits of Achievements
"Yes, the price of $100,000 has become the new normal, but what about next? $300,000? $500,000? A million dollars? Impossible!" These are opinions I have encountered frequently in conversations with users, especially those who have not yet entered the world of cryptocurrencies. In 2024, the industry made extraordinary strides in a short time. Achieving something similar in the near future seems like a pipe dream; after all, what asset class can routinely achieve such milestones? "$1 million for one BTC? Be realistic, that won't happen."
When I hear a comment like this, I reflect by opening a 5-year BTC price chart, hovering the mouse over a random price peak in the past, and recalling a dinner, a panel discussion, or a casual conversation where someone said that Bitcoin would never reach higher than this price, or insisted that surpassing this price level was impossible. In each of these cases, this opinion was not a failure in logical thinking or a lack of faith in the system – many of these skeptics were prominent thinkers and strong believers in the power of blockchain technology – but it was a failure of imagination.
One of the most damaging outcomes here is the belief that the time to enter the world of cryptocurrencies has passed. For those who have not yet started their journey into this world, this creates a feeling that the peak has already ended. Why should we care then if the best opportunities have passed us by? This way of thinking discourages exploration and leads to more missed opportunities.
And this is not just about BTC prices; I use Bitcoin here as an example reflecting the progress made by digital assets and the enthusiasm for adopting blockchain technology. Missed opportunities extend beyond market gains; they include innovations and leaps that redefine various industries and improve the lives of millions worldwide.
The journey is still at its beginning; if you have not yet been part of this evolving world, now is the time to join. While it may be difficult to imagine the next wave of massive growth, imagination is not always the best indicator of what can be achieved. A closer look at what is happening in reality makes it clear that the momentum the industry gained in 2024 will increase in 2025 – in terms of institutional and mass engagement in the industry, innovation in markets, and value creation in the real world.
In reality
The belief that the peak of cryptocurrencies has passed ignores the current forces capable of causing leaps in the industry. I will not elaborate on the promises of significant regulatory developments in the United States and beyond, where it is clear that potential pro-crypto leadership in the largest economy in the world could have seismic effects. Even ideas that still seem far-fetched today, such as a national strategic reserve of Bitcoin, could become a reality, driving demand and prices to unprecedented levels. And why look far for examples, let’s consider the stunning emergence of the meme coins TRUMP$ and MELANIA$ before Donald Trump's inauguration, which represent a testament to the ability of cryptocurrencies to lead social, cultural, and even political trends in ways we never imagined were possible.
The institutional interest from Wall Street in cryptocurrencies now extends beyond the spot ETFs that dominated the headlines in 2024. There are numerous signs of the entrenching of digital assets in the global financial system, including life insurance products denominated in BTC, hybrid funds that combine cryptocurrencies and real estate, and the interest of major asset management firms like BlackRock in integrating Bitcoin ETFs into funds focused on providing regular income. The innovation of structured products and new models based on traditional financial instruments is in full swing, as Bitcoin – and soon other digital assets – has become the cornerstone of modern financial infrastructure in several direct and indirect ways.
Additionally, there is tremendous potential in the growing adoption of cryptocurrencies that can still be leveraged. Currently, around 700 million people worldwide engage with cryptocurrencies – which is only a small fraction of the world's population. Meanwhile, the number of people that digital assets can help improve their lives reaches billions. Increasing awareness, better user interfaces, and the removal of technical complexity pave the way for more usage, and the shift from early users to early majority is still ongoing, with the evolution curve expected to grow larger in the future.
Why the journey is still at its beginning for new users
The idea that the time has passed to enter the world of cryptocurrencies is far from the truth. There is no doubt that early users benefited from their foresight, but the opportunities that the future holds are no less important. Since a small percentage of the world's population invests in cryptocurrencies, this means there is tremendous potential for growth and inclusivity.
Binance is committed to facilitating the transition for new users. It provides tools like the Binance Academy with accessible free resources to demystify the world of cryptocurrencies and blockchain technology. User-friendly interfaces and straightforward financial products help remove barriers and ensure everyone can participate, regardless of their background. For example, Binance offers copy trading features for futures and spot trading, allowing new users to mimic the movements of experienced traders and learn from them in the process. Additionally, demo trading tools enable users to begin trading in the cryptocurrency market with extreme caution without risking any real money.
The inclusivity of cryptocurrencies goes beyond access to financial services, as it focuses on empowering individuals and communities to have full control over their assets, data, and digital identities, encouraging everyone to participate in the future decentralized web. By reducing reliance on traditional financial systems and internet platforms, digital assets create new pathways for opportunity and empowerment.
Binance's Vision for 2025 and Beyond
The role of the Binance platform is to lead, guide, and empower users. In 2025, our focus will remain on enhancing the global adoption of cryptocurrencies and creating tools that allow everyone to access digital currencies. Binance is committed to shaping a future where digital assets hold real value for everyone, from developing scalable solutions for financial inclusion to fostering a vibrant web 3 ecosystem.
We also recognize the importance of collaboration; whether it is about collaborating with policymakers to establish enabling regulations or supporting grassroots initiatives that reflect the impact of cryptocurrencies on the real world, we aim to ensure that the growth of the industry benefits as many people as possible.
The journey of cryptocurrencies is still in its infancy, and the immense potential of digital assets to change the lives of millions and reshape various industries is revealing itself. If you have not been part of this world before, now is the time to explore what this technology can offer you.
