Page 18 - GS250102

Insights and Expertise

Trends shaping presidential administration could allow crypto firms to

freely develop new products, fueling more innovation in
digital finance and the sector.

Bitcoin ATMs are particularly affected by regulatory
crypto access in 2025 shifts, as they must comply with stringent know your
customer (KYC) protocols and anti-money laundering
(AML) standards. Amid these regulatory developments, a
proposal to establish a U.S. strategic Bitcoin reserve could
represent a major change for the market.

This initiative has the potential to boost Bitcoin's
value, driving greater adoption and supporting its
integration into the broader economy. Such a reserve
could lead to greater demand for Bitcoin, which could
raise its price and encourage more widespread use.

Regulatory momentum will likely intensify as
governments seek to balance the benefits of crypto with
the need to protect consumers and ensure the technology
meets federal and statewide compliance measures. Bitcoin
By Scott Buchanan ATM operators are already responding to regulations
Bitcoin Depot rolled out in 2024 by improving compliance practices,
which will be essential in establishing greater trust and
he digital financial industry is quickly changing, security required for the industry's growth in 2025.
with crypto moving beyond just speculation to Technological improvements
become a practical tool for greater financial
T access. For millions of people, especially those Tech advancements are another primary driver of change.
who are unbanked or underbanked, digital currencies The technology powering Bitcoin ATMs has improved
offer an alternative to traditional banking systems. Central dramatically, incorporating more sophisticated compliance
to this shift are accessible access points like Bitcoin ATMs, and security features and streamlined user experiences.
which have evolved from a niche concept to a global pro- Improved user interfaces make transactions faster and
vider for mainstream crypto adoption. easier, while enhanced authentication methods, such as
biometrics and real-time fraud detection, are improving
This ease of access has led to rapid growth; globally, the security.
number of Bitcoin ATMs has grown by nearly 60 percent
annually. As crypto adoption rises (recent industry These advancements cater to a growing user base that
reports peg crypto ownership at 40 percent of U.S. adult values quick, convenient and secure access to digital
population—see https://bit.ly/42hxmkK) Bitcoin ATMs are assets. This year, Bitcoin ATMs will likely integrate even
positioned to meet the needs of users looking for easy, more advanced technologies, continuing to evolve in ways
local access. that meet the growing expectations of a tech-savvy public
and create a safer, more user-friendly experience.
As we embark on a new year, the industry is at a turning
point, driven by regulatory changes, new technologies Industry partnerships
and growing partnerships with traditional financial
institutions. Bitcoin ATMs are at the center, playing a key Complementing these tech advancements are industry
partnerships that are expanding the reach and credibility
role in shaping the future of access to crypto for users
worldwide. of Bitcoin. Collaborations between operators, retail chains,
crypto exchanges and traditional financial institutions are
Regulatory shifts connecting traditional finance and crypto.
One of the biggest trends impacting Bitcoin ATMs is For example, partnerships with major convenience store
the evolving regulatory environment. As crypto gains brands (see https://bit.ly/4fYUmZ1) allow Bitcoin ATMs
mainstream attention, regulators worldwide are working to be placed in high-traffic locations, making crypto
to manage this newer industry and how it works regarding transactions a routine part of everyday life. Similarly,
regulation and compliance. integrations like Coinbase's collaboration with Visa (see
https://bit.ly/4g2D11p) demonstrate how instant funding
In recent years, regulatory enforcement and high fines options are improving the overall crypto experience.
from the SEC have hindered innovation, with some crypto
companies delaying new offerings due to compliance Together, these tech improvements and industry
concerns. Recent policy shifts and the incoming pro-crypto partnerships will continue making crypto more accessible.

18