CoinEx and ViaBTC Capital have unveiled their 2024 Crypto Annual Report, which highlights significant trends and developments in the cryptocurrency landscape. The report indicates that Bitcoin is on the verge of reaching $100,000, while artificial intelligence (AI) continues to play an increasingly influential role in blockchain technology. Moreover, it notes a growing trend of institutional investment in the sector.
### Significance of the Report
The findings within the report outline critical shifts occurring in the cryptocurrency market. By examining technological advancements and regulatory frameworks, the report aims to provide readers with a clearer understanding of the market’s trajectory and potential opportunities for the upcoming year, 2025.
### Key Details
Jointly produced by CoinEx Research and ViaBTC Capital, the report offers a comprehensive examination of the blockchain and cryptocurrency sectors. It includes analysis on various areas such as macro markets, blockchain innovations, digital assets, decentralized finance (DeFi), and non-fungible tokens (NFTs). The report also features expert insights by monitoring market trends, scrutinizing project white papers, and assessing future development prospects.
### Key Highlights
#### Market Performance
In 2024, Bitcoin (BTC) experienced notable fluctuations influenced by the approval of exchange-traded funds (ETFs) and the halving event, reaching a peak of $100,000. Ethereum (ETH), bolstered by the Dencun upgrade and anticipated ETF approvals, stabilized at over $3,500 by year-end. The stablecoin sector also witnessed steady growth, with Tether ($USDT) leading the way, while other stablecoins like $USDC, USDE, and USD0 attracted market interest. Overall, the cryptocurrency market saw significant advancements that impacted both pricing and trading activity.
#### Technological Advancements
The integration of artificial intelligence with blockchain technology surged, resulting in the creation of various AI-centered crypto ecosystems. In 2024 alone, numerous AI projects emerged, categorized into three layers: architecture, resource, and application. Layer 2 solutions and staking mechanisms were emphasized to enhance scalability and functionality. Notably, Layer 2 solutions for Bitcoin gained traction, aiming to boost transaction efficiency and lower costs, although foundational infrastructure is still required for long-term effectiveness. Additionally, the Dencun upgrade in March 2024 improved Layer 2 costs and transaction processing speed (TPS), benefiting Ethereum’s ecosystem.
#### Institutional Adoption and Regulation
Institutional interest in cryptocurrencies intensified, marked by significant investments in Bitcoin and Ethereum ETFs. The debut of Spot Bitcoin ETFs in January and Spot Ethereum ETFs in July attracted net inflows of $35.3 billion and $2.6 billion, respectively. Regulatory changes introduced new guidelines for market operations. In the EU, the Crypto Asset Market Regulation (MiCA) was approved and enacted in December 2024. Japan implemented stricter know-your-customer (KYC) and anti-money laundering measures for crypto exchanges in April 2024. Meanwhile, China maintained its ban on cryptocurrency trading since September 2024, and Australia updated its Anti-Money Laundering Act in July 2024.
#### Emerging Trends
The MEME coin sector thrived through platforms like Pump.fun, spurred by community engagement and innovative concepts. In 2024, new types of MEME coins emerged, including Cult MEMEs, which originated from KOL Murad’s MEME coin super cycle theory in the latter half of the year. Political MEMEs gained prominence in anticipation of the 2025 U.S. election, with former President Trump being a central figure. AI-themed MEMEs became mainstream in the fourth quarter of 2024, driven by the intersection of MEME coins and AI narratives. Furthermore, the tokenization of real-world assets, such as U.S. Treasuries, surged, reflecting a market demand for diversified stablecoin options.
### Outlook for 2025
Looking ahead, several key trends are expected to shape the cryptocurrency landscape in 2025. These include the tokenization of traditional assets, advancements in Decentralized Science (DeSci), further integration of AI, the evolution of the MEME economy, and the maturation of Layer 2 solutions. Anticipated technological breakthroughs in AI infrastructure, privacy computing, and cross-domain applications are likely to catalyze the next phase of innovation within the sector.
### 2024 Key Events Timeline
#### Key Quote
“2024 was a year of significant growth and volatility in the cryptocurrency market. Looking ahead to 2025, the cryptocurrency market is expected to continue growing, with traditional asset tokenization, DeSci, AI integration, the MEME economy, and Layer 2/DeFi evolution being key areas of focus. Technological breakthroughs in AI infrastructure, technical innovations, and cross-domain applications are anticipated. Regulatory frameworks are expected to become more defined, emphasizing the protection of investor interests and mitigating financial risks.”
### CoinEx Approach
The report utilized market trend analysis, project white paper evaluations, and development forecasts to deliver actionable insights into the blockchain and cryptocurrency sectors.
### Implications
The convergence of artificial intelligence and blockchain is not merely a transient trend; rather, it represents a transformative movement reshaping data utilization, processing, and monetization. However, despite the promising growth of AI-driven ecosystems and MEME economies, the market still grapples with challenges such as regulatory ambiguity in pivotal regions like the U.S. and the existing gaps in foundational infrastructure for Layer 2 technologies.
### Worth Noting
Recently, the Blockchain Game Alliance’s 2024 State of the Industry Report highlighted that decentralized esports and interoperability are poised to redefine the gaming landscape this year.
