Emerging Economies Are Most Bullish on Crypto Opportunities

Why It Matters

The convergence of massive fintech adoption and rising data investment positions emerging markets as the next growth frontier for crypto, reshaping global capital flows and regulatory focus.

Key Takeaways

• Mobile money users to exceed 2.2B by 2030
• Payment gateway market projected $114.3B by 2030
• 94% firms increasing alternative data spend in 2026
• Crypto adoption fueled by fintech infrastructure growth
• Emerging markets present highest crypto investment upside

Pulse Analysis

Mobile money has become the backbone of financial inclusion across Africa, Southeast Asia and Latin America, and analysts now expect more than 2.2 billion users by 2030. This user base provides a ready‑made audience for digital assets, as smartphones and low‑cost wallets lower entry barriers to crypto trading and payments. In regions where traditional banking infrastructure remains limited, cryptocurrencies offer a borderless alternative for remittances, savings, and commerce. Consequently, fintech firms are integrating crypto services directly into mobile money platforms, accelerating adoption faster than in mature economies.

The payment gateway sector is on a similar trajectory, with market forecasts projecting a $114.3 billion valuation by 2030 and a compound annual growth rate of 21.8%. Gateways are increasingly equipped to process crypto transactions, enabling merchants to accept stablecoins and other digital currencies alongside fiat. This capability not only reduces transaction costs but also opens new revenue streams for e‑commerce platforms operating in price‑sensitive emerging markets. As gateway providers standardize crypto APIs, the friction that once hindered digital‑currency commerce is rapidly disappearing.

Parallel to infrastructure growth, investment firms are earmarking more capital for alternative data, with 94% planning budget increases in 2026. Crypto‑related datasets—on‑chain activity, wallet behavior, and sentiment signals—are becoming essential inputs for quantitative strategies and risk models. The surge in data spending signals confidence that crypto markets will deliver scalable returns, especially as emerging economies contribute the bulk of transaction volume. For regulators and incumbents, this convergence of fintech expansion and data‑driven investment underscores the need for clear frameworks that balance innovation with consumer protection.