Regulation Alone Won’t Bring Bitcoin to the Masses – Here’s What Will

Regulations:- If the last year has taught us anything, it is that Bitcoin is at an inflection point. Once considered a niche investment, it has evolved over the past decade into a globally recognized financial asset among individuals, businesses, and institutions alike, a shift I’ve experienced firsthand as the COO of Bitcoin Depot.

Despite intense periods of volatility, 2024 marked several watershed moments for Bitcoin – from the SEC’s approval of spot Bitcoin ETFs and the completion of the quadrennial halving milestone to its record-breaking surge past $100,000 and beyond.

With institutional interest at an all-time high and policymakers racing to establish clear regulatory frameworks, Bitcoin is expected to become more mainstream than it has ever been before.

You may even own some yourself. But there’s a problem: Regulation, consumer interest, and institutional endorsement aren’t enough. While favorable policies and financial legitimacy are essential, they don’t solve all real-world barriers to adoption. This is especially for underbanked people or those who consider themselves less tech-savvy or outside the financial mainstream.

Additional tools may be necessary to reduce the gap between demand and accessibility. Along with digital solutions, it has become clear that physical infrastructure is key to making crypto genuinely accessible to all.

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Increasing Popularity But Limited Access

Global crypto ownership is growing rapidly, with the number of users increasing by 33% since 2023. This is bringing the total to over 500 million people actively buying, holding, and transacting in digital currency.

Bitcoin, in particular, stood out as the top-performing asset class of 2024, and by a significant margin compared to other investment options. Meanwhile, institutional adoption is on the rise, with major players like Fidelity, BlackRock, and PayPal integrating Bitcoin into their services. This is happening as everyday businesses become more comfortable in accepting Bitcoin as a legitimate form of payment.

Bitcoin appeals to a diverse range of users, spanning different age groups, demographics, income levels, and geographic regions. For some, it offers a way to diversify their portfolios or hedge against economic uncertainty. For others, it is a powerful financial inclusion tool, enabling cross-border payments and remittances.

Despite this growth, many potential users still face challenges in accessing Bitcoin. The process can feel daunting and complex for those without experience with crypto exchanges, digital wallets, and private key management.

Additionally, individuals without access to traditional banking services or who are unfamiliar with digital finance may struggle to navigate the space. These challenges prevent a substantial portion of the population from fully embracing Bitcoin as a viable option for financial inclusion.

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Regulation Alone Isn’t Enough

Like its growing popularity, recent pro-crypto policy advancements are a step forward in Bitcoin’s path to mainstream adoption. Regulatory frameworks across the globe are evolving, with governments looking to strike a balance between encouraging innovation and protecting consumers.

For instance, the SEC’s approval of Bitcoin ETFs was a game changer. It has made it easier for investors to buy and sell Bitcoin, just as they would with stocks or mutual funds.

With a new pro-crypto administration in 2025, many are anticipating a shift toward more crypto-friendly regulation and policies. We’ve already seen the creation of an SEC-led task force to develop a more comprehensive regulatory framework for digital assets and an executive order emphasizing support for their growth and use.

These regulatory changes are essential for providing legal clarity and protection, especially for institutional investors, and for easing some regulatory uncertainty around Bitcoin.

However, they do not fully address the barriers faced by everyday users when trying to access Bitcoin. No matter how favorable the regulations are, Bitcoin adoption won’t scale if people don’t have a simple and familiar way to buy it. While some users are comfortable navigating exchanges, others need physical infrastructure, such as Bitcoin ATMs.

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Bitcoin ATMs As Panacea For WorldWide Access

Physical access points, particularly Bitcoin ATMs, are among the most overlooked yet essential components. With over 38,000 Bitcoin ATMs operating worldwide, these machines have significantly increased Bitcoin’s accessibility.

Typically found in high-traffic locations such as convenience stores, malls, and grocery stores, Bitcoin ATMs have gained popularity as a straightforward way for individuals to purchase Bitcoin with cash without needing a bank account.

Bitcoin can feel intimidating for those less familiar with digital finance – such as individuals without access to traditional banking services or those with limited experience in cryptocurrency exchanges.

Bitcoin ATMs allow individuals from various demographics, including underbanked populations, emerging markets, and remittance users, to enter the crypto space without requiring familiarity with digital wallets or online exchanges.

While the U.S. alone has over 30,000 of these machines, and international adoption is growing, entire countries in emerging markets often have fewer than 100. This disparity limits access for individuals who rely on cash transactions or lack banking services.

These physical kiosks provide a familiar and accessible way to engage with the crypto ecosystem. As Bitcoin continues to gain momentum, expanding access to Bitcoin ATMs will be important in driving greater inclusivity.

For Bitcoin to reach its full potential, accessibility must match demand. Bitcoin ATM operators play an essential role in this effort, serving as the backbone of Bitcoin’s physical infrastructure and bringing crypto access and education to communities.

If the goal is financial inclusion, expanding real-world access to Bitcoin through ATMs and other physical entry points is not just a matter of convenience. It should be prioritised alongside regulation, pro-crypto policies, and global adoption.

Ultimately, Bitcoin’s success isn’t just about who wants it—it’s about who can access it and how.