Coinbase CEO Forecasts Bitcoin Adoption to Surpass Internet & Mobile Growth, Reaching Billions by 2030

Highlights:

• Brian Armstrong predicts Bitcoin adoption will hit billions by 2030, outpacing digital tech growth.
• Nawfal reports crypto reached 300 million users in 12 years, fueled by youthful demand.
• BlackRock sees mainstream crypto growth as Bitcoin ETFs hit $50B, with projections for $250B.

Brian Armstrong, co-founder and CEO of Coinbase, has expressed confidence that Bitcoin adoption could reach billions by 2030 if it maintains its current growth trajectory. Armstrong believes that cryptocurrency will see faster adoption than both the Internet and mobile phones.

His comments came in response to a recent update by Mario Nawfal, founder of IBC Group, on X, in which Nawfal revealed that crypto adoption is advancing 43% faster than mobile phones and 20% faster than the Internet.

Nawfal, referencing BlackRock, stated that crypto has reached 300 million users in just 12 years. The update emphasized that factors such as younger generations, inflation concerns, and the current US administration’s pro-crypto stance are driving the rapid growth.

🚨CRYPTO ADOPTION 43% FASTER THAN MOBILE PHONES, 20% FASTER THAN INTERNET

Crypto has hit 300M users in just 12 years—43% faster than mobile phones and 20% faster than the internet, per BlackRock.

Younger generations, inflation fears, and Trump’s pro-crypto stance are fueling… pic.twitter.com/NgltJYfbvI

— Mario Nawfal (@MarioNawfal) February 8, 2025

In response, Brian Armstrong stated:

“It really depends what you count as the official start year – for Bitcoin, Internet, and mobile phones – to make this comparison. But regardless, this is directionally correct. Bitcoin adoption should get to several billion people by 2030 at current rates.”

The update predicted that crypto will achieve a “mainstream takeover,” driven by Bitcoin ETFs reaching $250 billion in assets under management (AUM). Currently, Bitcoin ETFs have exceeded $50 billion, with BlackRock’s iShares Bitcoin Trust (IBIT) leading the way.

BlackRock Sees Rapid Bitcoin Adoption Ahead

On January 13, a BlackRock report highlighted that Bitcoin’s adoption since 2009 has outpaced other major technologies like the internet and mobile phones. Shifts in the global landscape, including doubts about traditional banking systems, have increased Bitcoin’s appeal as a decentralized asset. The report also noted that Bitcoin’s independence from central authorities attracted investors during times of uncertainty.

In an interview, Robert Mitchnick, BlackRock’s head of digital assets, said Bitcoin adoption is about to grow as institutions join in. He believes it’s still early for Bitcoin, and more institutions will start using the iShares Bitcoin Trust.

Mitchnick stated that BlackRock will continue its year-one strategy, encouraging clients to hold BTC via IBIT. He believes many institutions and wealth advisors are yet to invest in Bitcoin, but he hopes to attract them this year. He mentioned that institutional adoption takes time because of due diligence and approval processes. BlackRock will continue to provide the necessary resources and education, Mitchnick stressed.

Bitcoin Price Movement

At the time of reporting, Bitcoin was trading at $97,390, marking a 1.37% increase in the past 24 hours. Furthermore, Bitcoin’s market dominance saw a 0.28% rise from the previous day, reaching 60.87%. This indicates that altcoins are still under pressure as the overall market remains volatile.

Despite market volatility, expert Michaël van de Poppe shared on X that a “strong week for crypto” could be ahead. This has sparked talks of a potential recovery before the U.S. CPI & PPI data this week.