What are the most traded cryptocurrencies globally?

Reviewed and edited by: Caroline Tidman | Head of Content

Key insights:

1. Bitcoin leads the pack: Bitcoin remains the most traded cryptocurrency in 2024, maintaining its dominance as a store of value and a hedge against inflation.
2. Ethereum powers DeFi growth: Ethereum's role in decentralised finance (DeFi) drives high trading volumes, supported by the increasing adoption of smart contracts and NFTs.
3. Altcoins on the rise: Emerging cryptocurrencies like Solana, Cardano, and Avalanche are gaining traction, offering innovative solutions and attracting investors seeking diversification.
4. Stablecoins drive liquidity: Stablecoins like USDT (Tether) and USDC dominate transaction volumes, providing liquidity and bridging crypto-to-fiat conversions.
5. Global adoption fuels growth: Increased adoption of cryptocurrencies in emerging markets and mainstream financial institutions has accelerated trading activity across global exchanges.

Introduction

The cryptocurrency market has experienced exponential growth and innovation in 2024, marking a new phase in its global evolution. The market reflects a robust appetite for digital assets, with daily trading volumes consistently exceeding $100 billion.

2024’s Trading activity highlights the dominance of established players like Bitcoin and Ethereum, alongside the rise of newer cryptocurrencies tied to gaming, decentralised finance (DeFi), and tokenised assets. Amidst this dynamism, global trends such as regulatory developments, technological advancements, and shifting economic landscapes have played pivotal roles in shaping the market.

A snapshot of the cryptocurrency market in 2024

The total market capitalisation of cryptocurrencies in 2024 has exceeded $1.5 trillion, driven by expanding use cases and growing adoption. Layer-2 scaling solutions have alleviated network congestion on major blockchains like Ethereum, making transactions faster and cheaper. Meanwhile, decentralised exchanges (DEXs) have gained traction as traders prioritise control and security.

Institutional interest remains a key driver of market growth, with hedge funds, asset managers, and even sovereign wealth funds embracing cryptocurrencies. Bitcoin is viewed as a hedge against inflation, while Ethereum’s dominance in decentralised applications (dApps) has strengthened its portfolio position. At the same time, retail trading has surged in emerging markets, where cryptocurrencies often serve as alternatives to unstable local currencies.

Additionally, governments worldwide are advancing their stance on blockchain technology. While some nations are implementing pro-crypto policies encouraging adoption and innovation, others are exploring central bank digital currencies (CBDCs) to balance regulatory oversight with blockchain-enabled efficiencies.

The most traded cryptocurrencies globally

A blend of legacy cryptocurrencies and innovative newcomers dominates trading activity in 2024:

1. Bitcoin (BTC): As the first cryptocurrency, Bitcoin remains the most traded digital asset. Often referred to as ‘digital gold’, it is widely regarded as a store of value and hedge against macroeconomic instability. Bitcoin’s daily trading volume frequently exceeds $30 billion, reflecting its liquidity and adoption by institutions seeking safe-haven assets.
2. Ethereum (ETH): Ethereum’s influence in 2024 extends beyond DeFi and NFTs; its role in smart contracts underpins thousands of decentralised applications. Following its Ethereum 2.0 upgrade, which significantly improved energy efficiency and scalability, the network has experienced a surge in trading volumes. Ethereum now accounts for a significant portion of global crypto trading activity, with its use cases continually expanding.
3. Binance Coin (BNB): BNB serves as the utility token for Binance, the largest cryptocurrency exchange. Its integration into transaction fee discounts, DeFi platforms, and blockchain gaming ecosystems ensures its relevance in 2024.
4. Stablecoins (USDT, USDC): Stablecoins like Tether (USDT) and USD Coin (USDC) remain indispensable for liquidity management, facilitating seamless crypto-to-fiat conversions. Their cumulative trading volumes now represent nearly 30% of the market, underscoring their critical role in ensuring market stability.
5. Emerging Altcoins: Tokens like Solana (SOL), Polygon (MATIC), and Cardano (ADA) are gaining traction for their faster transaction speeds and lower costs, positioning them as Ethereum competitors in the smart contract space.

Cryptocurrencies by use case

Cryptocurrencies in 2024 cater to diverse needs, reflecting their versatility and innovation:

• Store of value: Bitcoin remains the most popular asset for wealth preservation and inflation hedging, particularly among institutional investors.
• Smart contracts: Ethereum leads this segment, enabling dApps, DeFi platforms, and NFTs. Solana and Avalanche are also notable competitors that provide high-speed alternatives.
• Stablecoins: Stablecoins like USDT and USDC are widely used for liquidity management, arbitrage trading, and as on-ramps to fiat currencies.
• DeFi tokens: Tokens such as AAVE, UNI, and COMP underpin decentralised financial services, facilitating lending, borrowing, and trading without intermediaries.
• Gaming and NFTs: Cryptos like Axie Infinity (AXS) and Decentraland (MANA) drive the blockchain gaming and metaverse ecosystems, where virtual real estate and assets are increasingly tokenised.

The emergence of social tokens, tied to content creators and decentralised social platforms, is another growing segment, opening new possibilities for monetisation and engagement.

Please note: We provide access to Solana, Avalanche, Bitcoin, UNI, and COMP. However, AAVE, AXS, and MANA are not available. USDT is supported for funding purposes, but USDC is not, and neither cryptocurrency is available for trading on the platforms.

Key sectors driving demand

Several sectors are propelling cryptocurrency adoption and trading volumes:

• Decentralised finance (DeFi): DeFi platforms now hold over $80 billion in total value locked (TVL), enabling users to access services such as decentralised lending, staking, and yield farming. Tokens like UNI and AAVE are pivotal to these ecosystems.
• Tokenised real-world assets: The tokenisation of traditional assets like real estate, bonds, and fine art has introduced new opportunities for blockchain adoption. Investors can now buy fractional ownership of these assets, enhancing accessibility and liquidity.
• Gaming and Metaverse: Blockchain gaming and virtual reality platforms are flourishing, with gaming tokens valued at over $50 billion in 2024. Projects like The Sandbox and Gala Games have popularised in-game cryptocurrency-driven economies.
• Corporate blockchain integration: Enterprises across industries leverage blockchain for supply chain transparency, payment processing, and fraud prevention, boosting demand for enterprise-grade tokens.
• Pro-crypto governments: Countries like Singapore and El Salvador have introduced policies supporting innovation and cryptocurrency trading, driving adoption and global trading volumes.

Regional trading trends

Cryptocurrency trading patterns vary significantly across regions in 2024, influenced by local regulations, cultural preferences, and economic conditions. Each region showcases unique trends that highlight the global nature of the crypto market:

1. North America: North America, particularly the United States and Canada, remains a hub for institutional trading. The approval and rise of Bitcoin and Ethereum exchange-traded funds (ETFs) have brought a new level of legitimacy to the market, attracting pension funds, hedge funds, and family offices. Additionally, regulatory clarity for stablecoins has encouraged greater adoption by businesses for cross-border transactions and payroll processing.
   Retail investors in North America are increasingly participating in DeFi and NFT markets, particularly in tech-savvy cities like San Francisco, New York, and Toronto. Platforms such as Coinbase and Kraken dominate centralised trading, while Uniswap and Curve lead in decentralised exchanges.
2. Europe: Europe is emerging as a leader in regulatory innovation, with countries like Germany, Switzerland, and Estonia creating crypto-friendly environments. The introduction of the European Union’s MiCA (Markets in Crypto-Assets) regulation has provided a unified framework, fostering confidence among investors and businesses.
   Stablecoins and DeFi tokens are particularly popular in Europe, with platforms like Aave and MakerDAO seeing significant adoption. Furthermore, institutional interest in tokenised real estate and bonds is growing, driven by Europe’s strong focus on sustainability and transparency in finance.
3. Asia: Asia continues to lead retail crypto trading, with countries like South Korea, Japan, and India driving massive volumes in altcoins and gaming tokens. South Korea’s interest in blockchain gaming and metaverse tokens is unmatched, while Japan’s clear regulatory framework has made it a hotspot for innovation.
   In India, the growing popularity of stablecoins for remittances is a key driver of adoption. Despite regulatory uncertainties, the country’s tech-savvy population is exploring DeFi and NFTs, creating a thriving market for Ethereum-based solutions.
4. Latin America: Latin America is a unique case where cryptocurrencies are often used as practical tools rather than speculative investments. Countries like Brazil, Argentina, and Venezuela see widespread use of Bitcoin and stablecoins for remittances, savings, and daily transactions. The volatility of local fiat currencies and high inflation rates have accelerated adoption, with platforms like Mercado Bitcoin playing a central role.
   In Brazil, institutional investors are increasingly adopting tokenised assets, while gaming tokens are gaining traction among younger demographics across the region.
5. Africa: Africa’s crypto market, led by Nigeria, Kenya, and South Africa, is growing rapidly. Cryptocurrencies are being used to bypass traditional banking systems, especially for cross-border remittances. Nigeria leads in peer-to-peer Bitcoin transactions, while stablecoins are gaining popularity for their ability to mitigate the effects of currency devaluation.
   Education and awareness campaigns further drive adoption, with blockchain solutions also explored for agricultural supply chains and election transparency.
6. Middle East and North Africa (MENA): The MENA region is becoming a key player in the cryptocurrency market, with the UAE and Bahrain leading in pro-crypto regulations. Dubai, in particular, has positioned itself as a global crypto hub, attracting exchanges, fintech startups, and blockchain developers. Institutional adoption is growing, with large-scale investments in tokenised assets and blockchain-based infrastructure projects.

Notable events and shifts in trading activity

Several key developments have shaped cryptocurrency trading in 2024:

Protocol upgrades

Ethereum’s scalability improvements have significantly boosted its DeFi applications and trading volumes.

Institutional investments

Large-scale investments by asset managers and sovereign wealth funds have legitimised the market further.

Regulatory announcements

Pro-crypto regulations in Europe and Asia have bolstered market confidence, while stricter policies in certain regions have shifted trading to decentralised exchanges.

Technological advancements

Innovations in interoperability and cross-chain solutions enable seamless transactions across multiple blockchains, driving adoption and trading volumes.

Emerging cryptocurrencies and new entrants

Beyond established players, several new cryptocurrencies are gaining traction in 2024:

Layer-2 scaling solutions

Tokens like Arbitrum (ARB) and Optimism (OP) address Ethereum’s congestion issues, making transactions faster and more cost-effective.

Gaming-specific tokens

Assets like Gala (GALA) and Immutable X (IMX) are thriving as blockchain gaming gains mainstream adoption.

Decentralised social tokens

Cryptocurrencies tied to decentralised social media platforms create new opportunities for creators and investors, redefining how digital communities operate.

Risks and challenges

Despite its potential, cryptocurrency trading remains fraught with challenges:

Volatility: Price fluctuations can lead to significant losses, particularly for inexperienced traders. It’s important to limit potential loses with risk-management tools such as stop losses.

Regulatory risks: Policy changes in major markets can disrupt trading activity and investor sentiment.

Security concerns: Cybersecurity threats, including hacks and scams, remain persistent issues.

Conclusion

The most traded cryptocurrencies in 2024 reflect the maturity and diversification of the digital asset market. From Bitcoin’s role as a store of value to Ethereum’s dominance in decentralised applications and the rise of altcoins and gaming tokens, the ecosystem continues to evolve. By staying informed about market trends and understanding the risks, traders can navigate this complex yet rewarding landscape effectively.

Common questions around the most traded cryptocurrency:

What are the top cryptocurrencies traded globally in 2024?

Bitcoin (BTC), Ethereum (ETH), Binance Coin (BNB), and stablecoins like Tether (USDT) and USD Coin (USDC) dominate global trading volumes, with altcoins such as Solana (SOL) and Polygon (MATIC) gaining traction.

How has trading volume shifted among major cryptocurrencies this year?

Trading volumes for Bitcoin and Ethereum remain robust, with Ethereum seeing a 25% increase due to DeFi and NFT adoption. Stablecoins now account for 30% of total trading activity, reflecting their critical role in liquidity.

What sectors are driving increased demand for specific cryptocurrencies?

Sectors like decentralised finance (DeFi), gaming and metaverse, tokenised real-world assets, and corporate blockchain integration drive demand for tokens like AAVE, MANA, and enterprise-grade stablecoins.

Are there any significant new tokens emerging in the market?

Yes, layer-2 scaling tokens such as Arbitrum (ARB) and Optimism (OP) are gaining popularity, along with gaming tokens like Gala (GALA) and Immutable X (IMX) in blockchain gaming ecosystems.

How do cryptocurrency trading patterns differ across global markets?

Institutional trading dominates in North America and Europe, while Asia leads in gaming tokens and altcoin trading. Latin America and Africa focus on stablecoins for remittances and daily transactions.

What external factors have influenced cryptocurrency trading trends in 2024?

Macroeconomic factors like inflation and interest rates, regulatory developments, technological advancements in blockchain scalability, and geopolitical tensions have significantly shaped trading patterns.

Which cryptocurrencies have seen the highest levels of volatility this year?

Altcoins like Solana (SOL) and Cardano (ADA) have experienced notable volatility due to network upgrades and market speculation, while gaming tokens like Axie Infinity (AXS) remain highly volatile.

What are the risks and opportunities in trading cryptocurrencies in 2024?

• Risks: Market volatility, regulatory uncertainty, and security vulnerabilities.
• Opportunities: High returns from DeFi, gaming tokens, and adoption in emerging markets, alongside increased institutional interest.