Coinbase CEO Says BTC Adoption Could Hit 3B Users by 2030

Bitcoin is experiencing an unprecedented adoption curve, with numbers suggesting up to 3 billion people could be using it by 2030.

Brian Armstrong, CEO of Coinbase (Nasdaq: COIN), weighed in on this rapid growth, responding to a post comparing Bitcoin’s adoption to the internet and mobile phones.

BlackRock recently released data showing that Bitcoin has already reached 300 million users in 12 years, 43% faster than mobile phones and 20% quicker than the internet. Armstrong said while direct comparisons are tricky, the trend is clear: mass adoption is accelerating.

Bitcoin’s Growth Outpaces Internet and Mobile Phones

BlackRock’s research, out Jan. 13, says:

• Bitcoin reached 300 million users twice as fast as the internet.

• Adoption outpaced mobile phone usage growth by a factor of three.

• Since 2009, Bitcoin’s annual adoption rate has exceeded 100%, compared to the internet’s 63% and mobile phones’ 25% during their early expansion phases.

The report attributes Bitcoin’s growth to a few key factors: younger generations’ digital-first approach, inflation concerns and financial instability. Unlike traditional assets, Bitcoin is decentralized so it’s not reliant on central banks and governments.

ETFs, Regulation, and Institutional Interest Fuel Expansion

The launch of Bitcoin ETFs and regulatory progress will cement its mainstream status. Analysts say Bitcoin ETFs could attract up to $250 billion in investment over the next few years, opening it up to retail and institutional investors alike.

Geopolitics are also shaping the digital asset landscape. Former U.S. President Donald Trump’s pro-crypto stance has boosted the market. With regulatory clarity and institutions getting into Bitcoin, growth could be even faster than expected.

Key Drivers Behind Bitcoin’s Growth:

• Younger generations: Digital-native users driving adoption.

• Economic uncertainty: Inflation and financial instability fueling demand.

• Institutional investment: ETFs and large-scale investments boosting accessibility.

• Regulatory advancements: Clearer guidelines encouraging mainstream acceptance.

As Bitcoin continues its ascent, Armstrong’s forecast of billions of users by 2030 appears increasingly plausible. With ongoing developments in financial infrastructure and technological innovation, the global financial system may be on the verge of a historic transformation.