|

Crypto users increase two-fold in 2018 amid market crash – says Cambridge

  • Crypto users rose from 18 million to 35 million in December 2018.
  • “The increase is significant and does offer the industry some Christmas cheer.”

A recent study conducted by Cambridge University’s Center for Alternative Finance has found that users in the cryptocurrency industry doubled this year amid the extended market crash this year. The report was released following the second study dubbed Global Cryptoasset Benchmarking Study.

According to the report, the users increased from 18 million recorded in January 2018 to 35 million, the numbers in December. Moreover, the number of individual accounts was standing at 150 million at the time of publishing the report. However, is vital to note that only 38% of all these accounts are active as per the data on various exchanges.

The news of the rise is sweet to the years after cryptos fell head first in 2018. Bitcoin has lost over 80% of its all-time value while the majority of the altcoins are down more than 90% in comparison to the levels in January 2018. According to, BitcoinNews.com, a news outlet:

“The increase is significant and does offer the industry some Christmas cheer given Bitcoin’s tumultuous annus horribilus, seeing it lose 80% of its value since last December. The report also indicates that multi-coin support is expanding which, at the end of 2017, was the staple of 47% of all service providers.”

Author

John Isige

John Isige

FXStreet

John Isige is a seasoned cryptocurrency journalist and markets analyst committed to delivering high-quality, actionable insights tailored to traders, investors, and crypto enthusiasts. He enjoys deep dives into emerging Web3 tren

More from John Isige
Share:

Editor's Picks

Injective token surges over 13% following the approval of the mainnet upgrade proposal

Injective price rallies over 13% on Thursday after the network confirmed the approval of its IIP-619 proposal. The green light for the mainnet upgrade has boosted traders’ sentiment, as the upgrade aims to scale Injective’s real-time Ethereum Virtual Machine architecture and enhance its capabilities to support next-generation payments.

Solana Price Forecast: SOL slips below $82 as hawkish Fed tone sparks risk-off sentiment

Solana is trading below $82 at the time of writing on Thursday after failing to break out of the upper consolidation range over the weekend. The Minutes from the Federal Open Market Committee on Wednesday kept interest rates unchanged, but a less dovish tone that followed dampened risk appetite and pressured risky assets.

Warren warns crypto bailout would enrich Trump family biz: Report

Senate Banking Committee ranking member Elizabeth Warren has reportedly sent a letter to Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent and Federal Reserve chair Jerome Powell, urging them not to bail out “cryptocurrency billionaires” with taxpayer dollars. 

Top Crypto Gainers: World Liberty Financial, Sky, and Cosmos confront major resistance

World Liberty Financial, Sky, and Cosmos rank among the top gainers over the last 24 hours but face critical overhead resistance levels. WLFI gained momentum at the World Liberty Forum, an invite-only conference held at Mar-a-Lago by US President Donald Trump’s family, while SKY and ATOM reversed off a crucial support level. 

Bitcoin Price Annual Forecast: BTC holds long-term bullish structure heading into 2026

Bitcoin (BTC) is wrapping up 2025 as one of its most eventful years, defined by unprecedented institutional participation, major regulatory developments, and extreme price volatility.

Bitcoin: BTC bears aren’t done yet

Bitcoin (BTC) price slips below $67,000 at the time of writing on Friday, remaining under pressure and extending losses of nearly 5% so far this week.