Brian Armstrong Says Crypto To Fuel Global GDP—But How Exactly?

In 2024, the average revenue per user in the cryptocurrency market is expected to be $66.10, with the U.S. anticipated to lead globally, generating approximately $9.79 billion in revenue.

As for user engagement, the number of crypto users is projected to reach 861 million by 2025, with a user penetration rate estimated at 11.05% in 2024.

Despite regulatory challenges, the U.S. remains a leader in cryptocurrency innovation and adoption, with major financial institutions and tech companies driving the market.

Unlocking Resources for Expansion

Elaborating on the matter, Rob Viglione, CEO of Horizen Labs, told CCN:

“When it comes to economic growth, there are few more powerful levers than efficiency and productivity, two areas where crypto and blockchain could make a difference by removing intermediaries. Smart contracts, for example, automate agreements, streamlining processes in areas like supply chains. For example, FedEx, DHL, and others are already doing this .”

According to Viglione, smart contracts reduce delays and operational costs . It also makes cross-border payments faster and cheaper, which allows businesses to scale globally.

Additionally, blockchain’s built-in transparency minimizes fraud and ensures data integrity. It’s a significant benefit for finance, healthcare, and logistics sectors.

Crypto and verifiable computation also add trust to the digital world, which is essential for economic growth. Zero-knowledge proofs (ZKPs) let users verify identities or transactions without disclosing sensitive information.

“This reduces opportunities for fraud and tampering, creating a safer online environment and enabling secure, private interactions that foster broader digital engagement,” Viglione said, adding:

“A more trusting business environment means lower costs and greater efficiency. This, in turn, frees up resources for companies to invest in expansion and innovation, which drives productivity and, ultimately, economic growth.”

The rise of blockchain might also reshape how legislation is written and enforced. Ideally, lawmakers should draft regulations that support, rather than restrict, these technologies. They’d allow tech-driven compliance to replace some of the traditional oversight mechanisms.

This flexibility can lead to a regulatory environment that encourages growth by reducing the need for micromanagement and allowing companies to refocus on more productive endeavors. 

A Transitional Phase

“In my view, we’re in a transitional phase where major players are increasingly engaging with blockchain technology,” opined Viglione.

According to research conducted for Coinbase , the number of cryptocurrencies, blockchain, or Web3 initiatives announced by Fortune 100 companies has increased 39% year-over-year and hit a record high in the first quarter of 2024.

“Additionally, a survey of Fortune 500 executives found that 56% say their companies are working on on-chain projects, including consumer-facing payment applications. This increased activity from large corporations underscores blockchain technology’s growing importance and potential in various sectors. Who knows how much growth and prosperity we could unleash if SMEs took a similar approach?” Viglione elaborated.

Crypto’s Potential To Boost GDP

David Pinger, co-founder and CEO of Warden Protocol, said that “cryptocurrency has the potential to significantly boost global GDP by streamlining the inefficiencies of traditional financial systems and enabling a more accessible global economy.”

“At its heart, blockchain technology allows businesses and individuals to transact across borders with less reliance on intermediaries like banks and clearinghouses, reducing transaction costs, speeding up processes, and creating a more inclusive financial environment. This is especially important for areas where traditional banking infrastructure is inaccessible,” Pinger added.

Adding AI further enhances these benefits by simplifying the user experience and potentially automating routine financial tasks such as payments, settlements, and contract executions.

Pinger’s remarks seem to align with Bitwise’s Senior Investment Strategist Juan Leon’s observations from the Consensus conference earlier this year. Leon shared, “The intersection of artificial intelligence and crypto is going to be even bigger than people imagine. The two industries could add a collective $20 trillion to global GDP by 2030.”

“Smart contracts and decentralized applications simplify and reduce the barriers to accessing financial products and financial management tools, reducing the time and costs to individuals and businesses. This shift allows individuals and companies to focus more on value creation and improving their productivity, key factors for driving GDP growth,” Pinger explained.